A waiter jailed for hurling missiles at police during the Bradford riots three years ago has failed to win a cut in his jail term, despite pleas concerning his dire health.

Abdul Saheed, of Curzon Road, Bradford, was one of an angry mob which battled with riot police during the violence on July 7, 2001.

Describing the background to Saheed's arrest, Mr Justice Bean said confrontations took place between groups of white and Asian youths, which initially seemed to calm down but then revived later on that night.

Police finally decided to "drive the mob out of the city centre to prevent further disruption" after a group of Asian men armed with "an array of sticks and bats" attacked shops and pubs in the centre, said the judge.

The "mob" then began targeting the police lines.

Saheed, although initially seeking to restrain his fellows, was captured on police CCTV hurling two missiles, identified as either bricks or paving stones. at officers

Saheed, formerly head waiter at the Nawaab restaurant in Manor Row, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to riot in September 2003.

The 37-year-old, who needs daily dialysis to cope with renal failure, was described as a responsible member of society who had become caught up in a moment of madness.

In the aftermath of the riots the Nawaab was one of several businesses which took out an advertisement in the Telegraph & Argus stating: "The Asian community is appalled and horrified by the scale and intensity of the violence which occurred in Bradford last Saturday.

"We strongly condemn the destruction and carnage caused by a small group of hooligans who by no means represent the Asian community," the advertisement continued.

Mr Justice Bean - sitting with Lord Justice Scott Baker and Judge Barker - said no-one could fail to feel sympathy with Saheed's medical predicament.

But the trial judge had taken full account of it when passing sentence, said the Appeal Court judge, dismissing the appeal.