A woman threw a missile at police officers before hiding behind a car during the Ely riots, a court has heard. Michaela Gonzales, 37, is among 30 individuals being sentenced for their involvement in the violent unrest that shook the Cardiff suburb three years ago.
Background of the Ely Riots
The riots erupted on May 22, 2023, following the tragic death of two teenage boys, Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, in an electric bike crash. The incident sparked hours of violence and vandalism on Wilson Road and surrounding streets, drawing around 150 participants.
Court Proceedings
On the first day of the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, prosecutors detailed the events leading up to and during the riot, including accounts from police officers. The mothers of the deceased teenagers attempted to reach their sons but were blocked by police. Large crowds from the close-knit Ely community gathered to witness the aftermath of the collision.
Michaela Gonzales was identified as one of the initial individuals who threw missiles at police. The court heard that she threw a bottle and then hid behind a car. Her defense barrister argued that Gonzales had been involved in supporting the families of the deceased boys, which may have affected her state of mind at the time.
Sentencing and Next Steps
Gonzales, of Plymouth Wood Close, Ely, is scheduled to return for sentencing on Wednesday, June 17. The court continues to process the cases of the 30 defendants involved in the riots.
For full details of the sentencing hearing, subscribers can access the comprehensive report from Cardiff Crown Court.
