A teenager who threw bottles and stones at police during the Bradford riots until he was too exhausted to go on smirked as he was sent to prison for four-and-a-half years.

Mabashir Mahmood, 19, was led to the cells along with Fiaz Rangzeb, 20, who was handed the same sentence after they both admitted a charge of rioting at Bradford Crown Court.

The court was shown a collection of video clips of some of the worst violence from the riots which included footage of the pair throwing missiles.

Dismissing defence barristers' pleas for leniency, Judge Stephen Gullick said he hoped to send out an unambiguous message that rioting would not be tolerated.

He told the pair that their actions could not be treated in isolation from the "ferocious violence" that had surrounded them on the evening of July 7, 2001.

Addressing Rangzeb, he said: "A police video shows you throwing a stone at the police and gesticulating at others to encourage them.

"You are also to be seen with your lower face covered by a mask and carrying what is clearly a cosh."

Turning to Mahmood, he added: "You have admitted throwing missiles, including milk bottles, until you were exhausted."

Colin Wells, counsel for Rangzeb, of Tesmond Avenue, Heaton, said his client had been disowned by his father and lost his job at a phone shop.

Mr Wells said: "He has been punished already. Going to jail will be very hard for him."

Abdul Iqbal, counsel for Mahmood, said he had gone to the scene of the troubles to see what was going on.

"He became excited and got involved because most of the people he knew were already involved," he added.

John Topham, prosecuting, said both defendants had been caught on camera throwing missiles at the police.

He said Rangzeb had become involved in the disturbances between 5.50pm and 7.30pm in the White Abbey Road area. Mahmood, of Fitzroy Street, Bradford Moor, had joined in later on at 7.14pm, he said.

Both men have previous convictions and Rangzeb asked for five other offences to be taken into consideration.