A 23-year-old father has been jailed for nine years after a judge branded him one of the leaders during the Bradford riots.

The prison term handed out to Kamran Ijaz yesterday is the longest sentence imposed on any rioter since the mob violence erupted almost three years ago.

Judge Roger Scott described his case as the worst to come before the courts.

Over a three-hour period Ijaz was responsible for throwing two petrol bombs at police, setting off a firework towards officers and helping others to push burning cars at police lines.

Prosecutor John Topham told Bradford Crown Court that Ijaz was caught on video hurling 14 missiles of various kinds, including the petrol bombs.

He could also be seen brandishing a crook-lock and running towards a police officer after he fell to the ground making an arrest.

During a trial in April, Ijaz, of Pearson Road, Odsal, Bradford, denied the riot charge and maintained that he had an alibi for that night.

But he was convicted by the jury.

Yesterday Judge Scott told him: "You were always at the front of the action and you are in my view a leader of the action.''

The court heard that a video tape showing Ijaz's activities that night lasted one and a half hours.

Judge Scott said he believed it was the longest compilation tape produced by officers involved in the riot inquiry.

"In your case it's as bad a case as there's been," he told Ijaz.

"In fact, it's the worst case there has been in the Bradford riots and you will therefore receive the longest sentence.

"You will go to prison for nine years."

Mr Topham said Ijaz had also been seen using a lamp which he directed at a police helicopter filming the violent clashes.

The court heard that Ijaz had previous convictions for offences including violent disorder and assault.

Yesterday he received a concurrent prison term of 18 months for two handling matters involving cars which were stolen from outside homes.

Judge Scott was told that Ijaz was now ashamed of his actions, which he himself described as "sheer stupidity."

Ijaz's trial could not be reported for legal reasons because he was due to stand trial on drugs matters. But yesterday the prosecution decided not to proceed with those charges and formal verdicts of not guilty were recorded.