Men Jailed for Murder have Sentences Increased to 109 Years

Six men jailed for the brutal murder of 20-year-old Bradley Gledhill have had their sentences increased from a collective 81 years to a total of 109 years.

This comes after a Court of Appeal ruling on Monday, December 6, 2021.

Usman Karolia, aged 21, of Batley, had the minimum term of his life imprisonment sentence increased from 21 to 27 years.

Ahmed Karolia, aged 24, of Batley, had the minimum term of his life imprisonment sentence increased from 16 years to 21 years.

Nabeel Naseer, aged 19, of Dewsbury, had the minimum term of his detention for life sentence increased from 11 to 16 years.

Raja Nawaz, aged 19, Heckmondwike, had the minimum term of his life imprisonment sentence increased from 12 to 16 years.

Irfan Hussain, aged 18, of Batley, had the minimum term of his detention for life sentence increased from 11 to 16 years.

Nikash Hussain, aged 18, of Dewsbury, had the minimum term of his detention for life sentence increased from 10 to 13 years.

Bradley Gledhill was stabbed in an unprovoked attack on Park Croft in Batley during the evening of June 21, 2020.

As he lay on the ground, his six attackers continued to punch, kick and stamp on him.

His two friends, Joel Ramsden and Kasey Hall, also had significant knife injuries.

The court heard that there was no evidence to suggest that there had been any prior contact between both groups.

Police and paramedics attended the scene and locals also carried out first aid.

However, Bradley did not survive his injuries.

At the previous hearing at Leeds Crown Court on July 30 2021, four of the six men were also sentenced for the assaults on Joel and Kasey.

Usman Karolia was sentenced to 18 years for attempted murder and five years for Section 18 assault while Ahmed Karolia was sentenced to 14 years for attempted murder.

Nabeel Naseer was sentenced to eight years for attempted murder and Irfan Hussain was also sentenced to 10 years for attempted murder.

These sentences were set to be served alongside the murder sentences.

Following the hearing, 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, of 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 offender’s 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.”