By Jenny Loweth and Mark Stanford
Rashpal Singh Gill (left) and Alex Bates
A MAN and a teenager were given life sentences for the brutal murder of a Bradford builder who was dragged into the street while unconscious and left to die. Paul Ackroyd, 37, a much-loved son and father, was attacked at a flat in Jinnah Court, Manningham, Bradford, in the early hours of February 23, 2019. Alex Bates, 19, of Eastfield Gardens, Holme Wood, Bradford, was detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure for a minimum term of 14 years and 358 days. Rashpal Singh Gill, 40, of Leeds Road, Bradford, was jailed for a minimum term of 11 years and 358 days.
1/1 A BRADFORD drug dealer who turned his home into a heroin factory has been jailed for six and a half years. Afraz Sheikh is already serving a prison sentence of six years imposed at York Crown Court in November for drug trafficking offences. Today, the new jail term was imposed concurrently after he was caught red-handed with an industrial press, bulking agent, scales, dust masks and dealer bags at his then address in Galsworthy Avenue, Heaton. No drugs were found but Sheikh’s fingerprints were on the press and there were traces of heroin on the equipment. Sheikh, 31, of Nearcliffe Road, Heaton, was brought to Bradford Crown Court from prison after pleading guilty to being concerned in the production of heroin on March 5, 2019, and dangerous driving and possession of cannabis on July 24, 2019.