The firebomb attack on a takeaway which scarred three men for life was shockingly wicked.

The dreadful events began when Steven Bell and a friend fled the Oasis, in Bradford city centre, without paying and were chased by men from the shop.

This second man tripped and received a beating from his pursuers.

That, of course, cannot be condoned – but it in no way excuses the horror that was to follow.

Drunk and intent on revenge for what had happened to his pal, Bell returned to the takeaway and hurled a home-made petrol bomb into the premises.

The flaming liquid drenched three men, who fled into the street in agony, their hair and clothes on fire. They were left with terrible burns to their faces and arms.

Quite simply, anyone with a shred of common sense or decency would not have contemplated such an extreme, violent and sickening attack.

The fact that Bell may now realise this – and there are signs of genuine remorse – comes too late for his victims.

Judge McCallum told Bell: “No surgeon is going to be able to repair these injuries. You have ruined the lives of three people, irreparably.”

That being so, the very least he deserves is to spend every second of his seven-year sentence behind bars.