A total of 30 individuals are scheduled to be sentenced for their involvement in the Ely riots, which erupted following the deaths of two teenage boys in an electric bike collision. The incident on May 22, 2023, sparked hours of violence and vandalism, with approximately 150 people participating in a riot that involved throwing missiles at police officers.
Background of the Incident
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were killed while riding an electric bike through the streets of Ely, Cardiff. The two teenagers were involved in a fatal collision and were pronounced dead at the scene. Their grief-stricken mothers attempted to rush to their children but were prevented by police cordons.
Shortly after the collision, large crowds from the close-knit Ely community gathered to witness the tragedy. Shock and sadness quickly turned into distress and anger over how police were handling the scene. Rumours circulated that police were responsible for the deaths, as the boys had reportedly been pursued by a police van earlier.
The Escalation of Violence
The disruption was extensive, prompting a major police response. Speaking at a trial at Newport Crown Court, prosecutor Matthew Cobbe stated: "It was clear from communication directed at the police who attended, from the crowd, that they, the police, were being blamed for the crash." After the deaths were confirmed, the boys lay dead on the ground, and police set up a cordon to protect the scene.
As time progressed, a larger portion of the crowd became hostile, with hostility escalating into a full-blown riot. Hundreds of police officers were deployed as missiles—including bottles, bricks, plasterboard, and fireworks—were thrown from the crowd. Cars were overturned and set alight, doors were torn off and thrown at officers, mattresses were ignited, and petrol bombs were thrown, with one police officer engulfed in flames. Helicopters filmed the chaos from above.
Mr Cobbe added: "The anger turned to threats and violence directed towards the police and others found it an irresistible opportunity to sneer and jeer and throw bottles and bricks, enjoying themselves as they did so. Their emotions were a stark contrast to the grief and distress so obviously felt by others."
Impact on Police and Community
Several police officers were injured and suffered psychological trauma. One officer reported feeling "physically sick" when watching footage of the riots. The court heard that the wider community did not support or condone the violence, and some individuals showed kindness to officers who felt "bewildered and frightened" by the events.
Sentencing Hearing
On Monday, the sentencing hearing for 30 defendants will begin at Cardiff Crown Court, expected to last two weeks. Each defendant will be sentenced for their role in the riots.
The defendants include: Kyle Telemaque, 20; Jumana Fouad, 19; Ryan Knight, 21; Jordan Webster, 30; Jayden Westcott, 21; Jamie Jones, 24; Lianna Tucker, 20; Harvey James, 20; Connor O'Sullivan, 27; Luke Williams, 32; Lee Robinson, 39; Jordan Bratcher, 27; Jayden Baston, 21; Zayne Farrugia, 26; Ashdon O'Dare, 28; Michaela Gonzales, 37; James Chappell, 31; Gemma Virgin, 45; Jamie Bateman, 28; Jasmine Smith, 21; Lee-martin McQuade, 30; Liam Black, 21; Liam Williams, 21; Malaki McQuade, 19; Tyler Stapleton, 26; Cameron Carter, 20; Matthew Evans, 22; Callum O'Sullivan, 25; McKenzie Pring, 21; and Keiron Beccano, 37.
