Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
Two Bradford men were sentenced for a total of more than four years for supply of drugs and assault, according to reports.
Mohammed Miah, 22, attacked shop workers at the Kirkgate Shopping Centre in Bradford in July last year while he was drunk.
Prosecutor Andrew Stranex told Bradford Crown Court on Monday (28) that Miah grabbed the worker's arm and struck him on his face.
Then a member of staff at Sports Direct managed to pin Miah to the floor but he freed a leg and kicked him.
Miah was charged along with Rizwan Iqbal, 25, of Parkside Road in Bradford, for possession of heroin and cannabis, breach of a restraining order and failure to surrender.
The drugs offence took place in December 2019, when officers noticed a drug deal was taking place.
Stranex told the court: "Officers on patrol in West Bowling observed a drug deal and detained those present at the scene including Mohammed Miah. Later they went back to the scene where more dealings were seen. Officers approached and arrested Rizwan Iqbal. He was aggressive and powder spray had to be used. At the station, a pack seemed to drop from his trousers and white and brown packages were found in them."
According to reports, a deal of crack cocaine with a value of £210 and ten wraps of heroin totalling a value of £100 plus over £76 in cash and two mobile phones were found at the scene.
Officers arrived at Miah's home on February 3, 2020, and discovered wraps of brown and white powder inside a jacket, the court heard. He was arrested and interviewed but he denied being a drug dealer while admitting to putting drugs in the jacket.
In addition to the drug charges, Miah was charged with violating a restraining order after officers discovered him hiding in a wardrobe at an address where he was not supposed to be.
He also pleaded guilty to failing to appear for a hearing in January during the sentencing hearing on Monday. He was eventually apprehended and remanded in custody in May. Iqbal had a previous conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Mitigating for Iqbal, Abigail Langford, said: "He has a significant number of positive attributes, a job, a family and also a diagnosis for a serious heart condition and he takes medication for that but you will be aware he lost his dad relatively recently which has added to significant factors he has been undergoing."
Rukhshanda Hussain, mitigating for Miah said: "For a short period of time in 2020 he was a user dealer and would give to others for his own supply and was under instructions. He has a relevant record but nothing for drugs matters and he had been offence free for some four years. He remembers nothing about the assault on the security guard. He regrets his life choices and is dedicated to turning it around."
Iqbal was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison, while Miah was sentenced to two years. They will serve half of their sentences in prison before being released on licence.
Sadiq Khan calls Diwali on the Square a “festival of unity” celebrating London’s diversity.
Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for music, dance, food and family-friendly activities.
Organised by Diwali in London Committee with Chinmaya Mission UK as chair.
Deputy High Commissioner Kartik Pande calls Diwali a symbol of India-UK friendship.
MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan described this year’s Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square as a festival of unity that brought hundreds of people together over the weekend.
The annual free event, themed “Educate, Illuminate, Celebrate”, drew long queues stretching for miles as crowds gathered for Indian music, dance performances, devotional bhajans, and street food stalls. The family-friendly activities included sari and turban tying, yoga and meditation sessions, henna art, puppet shows, and dance workshops.
“Those of you here are proud Londoners, proudly British, proudly English, but also proudly Hindu, Sikh and Jain; you can be a proud Londoner and celebrate Diwali,” Khan said, addressing the crowd.
“Yet there are people across our country and across the globe that try and divide communities, try and turn one against the other – turn Hindus against Sikhs, or Muslims against Jews, or Christians against Buddhists, you show our city at its very, very best. You show the importance of the teachings of Diwali… how light defeats darkness, good defeats evil,” he said.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the spirit of Diwali on Trafalgar Square today and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
I wish a very happy Diwali to London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities as they celebrate next week. pic.twitter.com/sollzFChF0 — Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 12, 2025
The Mayor said Diwali celebrations in the “most famous square in the world” represent why London is the “greatest city in the world”.
Diwali on the Square was organised in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London (DiL) committee, supported this year by Chinmaya Mission UK as chair, along with partner organisations Remitly, Lidl, and Daawat.
“It has been a privilege to serve as part of the chair team in helping to coordinate this spectacular and popular annual event in the heart of London’s iconic square, which brings together a diverse range of organisations and communities in a spirit of unity,” said Dr Milen Shah of Chinmaya Mission UK.
“This enjoyable, educational, and wonderful event will shine a light on the deeper meaning and purpose of Diwali for all who attend,” he said.
The celebration opened with around 200 dancers from different parts of India performing in the centre of Trafalgar Square, followed by musical performances and dance-dramas depicting the story of Diwali and how it is celebrated across communities.
“At its core, Diwali is a joyful celebration of the universal values of harmony, strength in diversity and hope,” said Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK.
“This festival also epitomises the energy, creativity and contribution of the Indian diaspora and community that has enriched the very fabric of the social life of this great city. It is also a vibrant symbol of the India-UK friendship, and the recently concluded successful visit of Prime Minister Starmer (to India) adds another element of bonhomie,” he said.
Starmer was in Mumbai last week for a two-day visit during which both countries agreed to give fresh momentum to the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and build on opportunities from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agreed in July.
“We are honoured to join London’s South Asian communities in marking this significant cultural tradition, one that continues to enrich the city’s diverse fabric while inspiring people worldwide,” said a spokesperson for international money transfer firm Remitly.
“As a company dedicated to fostering connection and care, we take pride in supporting this important festival and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve,” the spokesperson said.
“With cultural marquees and family-friendly activities throughout the square, there was something for everyone to enjoy,” added Sarita Menon from the Diwali in London Committee.
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