Men who killed Bradley Gledhill in Batley have jail terms extended by 28 years

Usman Karolia, 20, Raja Nawaz, 19, Ahmed Karolia, 24, Nabeel Naseer, 19, Nikash Hussain, 17, and Irfan Hussain, 18, carried out the violent attack on June 21, 2020.

Bradley was stabbed to death and then punched, kicked and stamped upon as he lay dying on the ground. Two of his friends were also stabbed repeatedly.

All six men were convicted of Bradley’s murder.

Four were convicted of the attempted murder of his friend, Joel Ramsden (Karolia, Karolia, Naseer and Irfan Hussain).

Usman Karolia was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kasey Hall at Leeds Crown Court.

Following the sentencing, the then Solicitor General referred their sentences to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

Today (Monday), following a joint hearing, the Court of Appeal increased the sentences as follows:

Usman Karolia, of Lime Tree Avenue, Batley – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years (an increase of six years).

Ahmed Karolia, of Lime Tree Avenue, Batley – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years (an increase of five years).

Raja Nawaz, of Longfield Road, Heckmondwike – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years (an increase of four years).

Nabeel Naseer, of Gordale Close, Dewsbury – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years (an increase of five years).

Irfan Hussain, of Church Walk, Batley – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years (an increase of five years).

Nikash Hussain, of Low Road, Dewsbury – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years (an increase of three years).

After the joint hearing at the Court of Appeal, the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP, said: “These men brutally and senselessly attacked their victims, taking the life of Bradley Gledhill.

"Knife crime is a scourge which causes untold human misery, and I am glad that the Court of Appeal saw fit to increase their sentences today.”

Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Rolfe, West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “The attack on Bradley and his friends was a dreadful offence in which a group of six males murdered a young man who they continued to attack even after he lay seriously injured and defenceless.

"We welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal to increase the sentences of those involved.

“In its judgement, the Court of Appeal concluded that the original sentencing exercise was difficult but said the original sentences for these six men did not reflect the seriousness of the offending and were unduly lenient.

“The bench did bear in mind the offenders' age and immaturity, but said all the sentences needed to be substantially longer.

“I hope the increase in sentences today will act as a further deterrent to those who think it is acceptable to carry or use knives.

"This case has had devastating consequences but I hope the increased sentences will be of some further comfort to Bradley’s family and his friends.

“We know the extension of the jail terms was something Bradley’s family wanted to see, and these extended sentences send a clear message about how seriously the justice system treats this offending.

“It is also welcome news for communities in Kirklees that the dangerous males involved in this brutal attack will now be off our streets for an extended period of time.”