Life sentence minimum set at 24 years for man who murdered sister and endangered 12-year-old niece

Sentenced: Kornelijus Bracas

A man who murdered his sister and deliberately set fire to her home, placing the life of his 12-year-old niece in grave danger, has been told he will serve at least 24 years in prison.

Kornelijus Bracas, 27, appeared before Belfast Crown Court on Monday, 26 January, where the minimum tariff of his life sentence was formally set. Bracas was sentenced last October after pleading guilty to murder aggravated by domestic abuse, along with a series of serious related offences.

The court heard that Alesia Nazarova, aged 37, was killed in her Portadown home in March 2023. Bracas also admitted arson with intent to endanger the life of his niece, arson endangering the lives of neighbours in adjoining terraced properties, and theft of his sister’s bank card.

Murdered: Alesia Nazarova, aged 37

Detective Inspector Sean Armstrong said:

“Alesia Nazarova, aged 37, was murdered by Kornelijus Bracas in her Portadown home in March 2023.

“Bracas’ niece was just 12 years old when her life was put in danger from a fire started deliberately in the family home.”

Emergency services were called to the house fire in the early hours of Tuesday, 21 March 2023. Police officers attended alongside the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Detective Inspector Armstrong said:

“Officers attended the house fire, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. This was in the early hours of Tuesday 21 March in 2023.

“Alesia was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that she had died from an incised wound to the neck.”

In a harrowing detail outlined to the court, Bracas’ niece was trapped inside an upstairs bedroom as the fire took hold.

“Bracas’ niece, who was trapped inside an upstairs bedroom, was rescued by the Fire Service,” Detective Inspector Armstrong said.

Bracas was arrested several hours later and subsequently pleaded guilty to all charges.

“Kornelijus Bracas was found and arrested some hours later. Subsequently, last October, he pleaded guilty to Alesia’s murder aggravated by domestic abuse; arson with intent to endanger the life of his niece; arson with intent endangering the lives of those living in the adjoining terraced houses; and theft of Alesia’s bank card.”

Speaking following today’s hearing, Detective Inspector Armstrong highlighted the wider impact of the crime and the continuing issue of violence against women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls is not, and never has been, acceptable. And, tragically, in this case an act of violence has taken a young woman’s life.

“Working closely with our colleagues in the Public Prosecution Service, Bracas has today been held to account. His actions, however, have torn a loving family apart. My heart goes out to family members who are left with unimaginable sadness and pain.”

He also acknowledged the emotional toll on first responders and those who helped at the scene.

“The memories of that disturbing scene will be etched in my memory forever, and I’d like to acknowledge the efforts and support of my colleagues who also attended.

“I am also keen to take this opportunity to thank those members of the public who assisted prior to the arrival of emergency services. And, importantly, I have absolutely no doubt that the actions and bravery of both the Fire Service and Ambulance Service saved a young girl’s life.”