The tough sentences handed out to the Bradford rioters and those involved in the Ravenscliffe disturbances have been "whole-heartedly and positively endorsed" by some of the country's top judges.

Three judges sitting at the Court of Appeal in London spoke out to back their colleague, the Honorary Recorder of Bradford, Judge Stephen Gullick, as a Ravenscliffe man fought to have his three-year jail sentence overturned claiming it was "manifestly excessive."

Andrew Chapman, of Raneleigh Avenue, was jailed in November last year after pleading guilty at Bradford Crown Court to violent disorder.

But Lord Justice Judge, sitting with Judge David Clarke QC and Mr Justice McKay at the Court of Appeal in London, said the sentence wasn't a day too long, and lent their support to the stance taken by Judge Gullick.

Lord Justice Judge said the court "wholeheartedly and positively endorsed" his recent observations, and adopted them "as our own".

When sentencing one of the rioters Judge Gullick said: "It must be made crystal clear to each individual who takes an active part by deed or encouragement he is guilty of an extremely grave offence.

"The court will have no hesitation in marking the seriousness of what has occurred and will act in such a way that will send out a clear and unambiguous message."

And Lord Justice Judge said: "This was an appropriate judicial response to sustained and violent public disturbances."

The judge added that the Ravenscliffe disturbance was less serious but still left residents terrified.

He said the nature of the trouble was reflected by the CPS only bringing charges of violent disorder, which carries a five-year maximum jail term.

Those involved in the full riot have been charged with rioting which has a ten-year maximum.

The judge told the court that Chapman, now aged 20, pleaded guilty on the basis he was returning home from a friend's house when he passed the disturbance and saw some people he knew. He denied being involved from the outset and said he only took part for around 15 minutes.