The first 10 individuals involved in the Ely riots have been sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court, receiving a combined total of over 40 years in prison. The hearing on Wednesday was marked by angry and emotional scenes, with members of the public gallery shouting abuse and making offensive gestures at the judge.
Background of the Riots
The disorder erupted in the Cardiff suburb of Ely following the deaths of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, who were killed in an e-bike collision on Snowden Road on May 22, 2023. Large crowds gathered, leading to widespread unrest that resulted in 31 police officers and one civilian being injured.
Sentences Handed Down
The defendants sentenced on Wednesday included:
- Ashdon O'Dare: Six years and six months imprisonment. Judge Tracey Lloyd Clarke described his role as "instrumental in striking the match which lit the fuse."
- Lee Robinson: Six years and six months imprisonment. He was said to have "put himself front and centre of the crowd's aggression."
- Michaela Gonzales: Five years and seven months imprisonment. She was involved in the early stages when the crowd became confrontational.
- Jordan Bratcher: Five years and six months imprisonment. The judge noted he was part of the initial group in persistent stone throwing.
- Tyler Stapleton: Four years and four months imprisonment. He joined a group confronting police and threw stones.
- Luke Williams: Six years imprisonment.
- Jaydan Baston: Four years and six months detention in a young offenders institute. He collected and threw rubble at officers.
- McKenzie Pring: Four years detention in a young offenders institute. He was among the first to collect missiles.
- Keiron Beccano: Five years and six months imprisonment. He threw rubble at police and smiled.
- Harvey James: 24-month community order. He filmed on his phone and confronted an officer.
Courtroom Disruptions
As Judge Lloyd-Clarke passed sentence on O'Dare, people in the public gallery shouted "We love you Ash" and made offensive gestures. One individual stuck two fingers up at the judge, while another shouted "Shut up you sl*t." The judge cleared the gallery and ordered the detention of those responsible. She later warned the public to remain quiet, stating, "This is a court hearing, not entertainment."
Continuing Proceedings
The sentencing hearing continues on Thursday and Friday, with a further 20 defendants expected to appear.
