Businessman jailed over Bradford riots

The riots caused damage estimated at £27m

A businessman has been jailed for 12 years for an arson attack on a social club during the Bradford riots of 2001.

Mohammed Ilyas, 48, was found guilty at Bradford Crown Court on Thursday of arson and being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

But he was cleared of arson with intent to endanger life.

Ilyas was captured on police cameras wearing an Afro-style wig and throwing burning cardboard through a broken window of Manningham Labour Club while 23 people were inside.

Three-week trial

The club was burned to the ground after petrol bombs were thrown by a group of Asian youths.

The 23 people inside were eventaully led to safety after hiding in the club's cellar to avoid the flames.

Police described the incident afterwards as the single most serious incident of the riots.

Father-of-six Ilyas, of Prospect Road, Bradford, owns a car wash business and was convicted following a three-week trial.