The fifth day of the sentencing hearing for 30 people involved in the Ely riot is set to begin. The violence erupted following the deaths of two teenage boys in an electric bike collision on May 22, 2023.
Connor O'Sullivan's Involvement
On Friday, the court heard that Connor O'Sullivan, found guilty of rioting after a trial at Newport Crown Court, threw bricks and assisted in throwing a door at police. Around 150 people participated in the riot, which involved hours of violence and vandalism on and near Wilson Road in the west Cardiff suburb.
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died while riding an electric bike. Their mothers, grief-stricken, attempted to reach them but were blocked by police. Large crowds from the close-knit Ely community gathered, and shock turned to anger as rumors spread that police were responsible for the deaths. Officers set up a cordon, but hostility escalated into a full riot.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed as missiles including bottles, bricks, plasterboard, and fireworks were thrown. Cars were overturned and set alight, doors were thrown at officers, mattresses burned, and petrol bombs were used, with one officer engulfed in flames. Helicopters filmed the scene.
Previous Sentencing Details
On Thursday, the court heard that rioter Ryan Knight was found hiding under a friend's bed after failing to appear in court. Knight, 18 at the time of the riots, was described as "persistent and prolific." Earlier, he was taken to cells after an outburst. Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe said Knight was one of the most "prominent, aggressive and prolific" rioters. He removed his shirt to cover his face, threw bottles and stones, and used an aerosol can as a flamethrower. He failed to attend court on September 19, 2024, and was arrested on March 16, 2025, hiding under a bed.
In mitigation, Sali Harmes said Knight recognized his behavior was disgusting and he was distressed by the deaths of his friends, particularly Harvey Evans.
Friday's Defendants
On Friday, defendants Connor O'Sullivan, Malaki McQuade, Lee-martin McQuade, Gemma Virgin, Luke Williams, and Liam Black are due to appear. O'Sullivan, 24 at the time, was found guilty of rioting. Prosecutor Cobbe said O'Sullivan was present throughout, initially watching but later throwing missiles, removing his top as a face covering, handing bricks to others, and encouraging the crowd with calls of "Come on, come on boys, any more?" and "Ely gang." He also helped throw a door at police. Footage of his involvement was played to the court.
