Bradford's most senior judge has strongly defended the length of sentences handed out to last summer's rioters.

And the Honourable Recorder of Bradford, Judge Stephen Gullick (pictured), has criticised inaccuracies put forward by some campaigners who have pressed for shorter sentences.

He insisted that the ethnic origin of defendants had not been "of the slightest consequence" and that rioters had been jailed not just for throwing stones but for being part of terrifying acts of "wanton, vicious and prolonged violence of the highest degree".

Judge Gullick stressed he had no quarrel with anyone wishing to peacefully protest against the long sentences passed on those who took part in the mob violence in July last year.

But he said he was "increasingly concerned" about the factual accuracy of some reports - notably a BBC national television news bulletin in which criticisms had been made of the sentencing policy.

And he said he believed that those who disagreed most with the sentences "lose sight of the fact that the court has to pay close regard to the total picture as well as the specific actions of the individual defendant".

"Debate has perfectly properly taken place and opposing points of view have been aired," said Judge Gullick.

"It is not for me or my colleagues to enter into that debate and indeed our position as judges do not allow us to do so.

"I have, however, become increasingly concerned as to the factual accuracy of some of the accounts put forward which have been canvassed in the media in recent weeks in the context of such debates.

He added: "While I do not wish to discourage such a debate in a democratic society, I am concerned that the general public who see, hear, or read of such debates should have the advantage of doing so having regard to the actual, as opposed to the perceived or believed facts."

Judge Gullick, who has dealt with the majority of the riots' cases which have resulted in 113 people being convicted so far, said he was aware that many defendants had exercised their right to challenge the length of their sentence at the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.

"I am also aware that all but one has been refused permission."

He stressed that each case had been and will be looked at individually.

He added: "The colour, creed, ethnic origin or religion of the individual defendant is, and never has been, of the slightest consequence."

A group called Fair Justice For All is campaigning against what it claims are "disproportionate" sentences handed out to rioters.

The group, which is backed by lawyer Imran Khan, who advised the family of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence, holds regular demonstrations outside Bradford Crown Court.

Frontline Bradford: Riots and Race Review