Brothers jailed for burka raid

The store was targeted shortly before 1pm on August 25 last year when the proprietor of Asad Jewellers in Purlwell Lane, Mohammed Younis, was likely to be alone and closing for his prayer time.

Leeds Crown Court heard teenager Waqar Mahmood, who had bought a ring the previous day allegedly for his sister, returned with it and then “timed” his exit to allow the entry of the would-be robber through the security door.

That man, who has never been caught, was dressed in a full-length burka and carrying a handbag. He jumped the counter to attack Mr Younis but the shopkeeper bravely pressed his alarm and the robber panicked and fled empty handed, leaving the bag behind.

Sentencing the brothers on Monday, Recorder Mark Cran QC said items found inside, which included ties and tape, indicated he had obviously intended to bind his victim.

Police also found bin liners inside the bag, intended to carry away the loot, and fingerprints of Mahmood’s brother Bilal was found on one of them.

Freddy Apfel, for Bilal Mahmood, told the court he had been asked to deliver some drugs for a friend but the drugs were in a car which was stolen.

He was then put under pressure to pay the dealers the £7-£8,000 value and helping with the robbery was suggested as a way of doing that. But he got cold feet and did not go.

He bitterly regretted having involved his brother and the court was told he had been ill and undergoing chemotherapy.

Bilal Mahmood, 22, of Benny Parr Close, Soothill, who admitted conspiracy to rob, was jailed for three years and Waqar Mahmood, 18, of the same address who was found guilty earlier this year by a jury, was sent to a young offender institution for two years.

Anastasis Tassou said the teenager was a promising business student and talented footballer who had already had trials with Celtic.

He still denied any involvement in letting the robber in by holding the door.