The final day of sentencing for those involved in the Ely riots concluded at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, with the last 10 defendants learning their fate. In total, 30 individuals have been sentenced for their participation in the mass disorder, receiving a combined imprisonment of more than 137 years.
Background of the Ely Riots
The riots erupted in the Cardiff suburb of Ely following the tragic deaths of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, who were killed in an ebike collision on Snowden Road on May 22, 2023. Large crowds from the close-knit community gathered at the scene, leading to hours of rioting that resulted in injuries to 31 police officers and one civilian.
Sentences Handed Down
Here is the full list of the Ely rioters and the sentences they received:
Connor O'Sullivan
Connor O'Sullivan, 27, was sentenced to five years imprisonment. He threw missiles at the police, removed his top and put it over his head, and advanced towards the police line. He was seen holding two bricks, giving one to another rioter and throwing the other at the police line. He shouted 'Come on, come on, come on boys, any more' and was part of a group that threw a door at police.
Callum O'Sullivan
Callum O'Sullivan, 25, was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment. He threw missiles throughout the night and took a bag to where other rioters had started a fire, placing the bag on the fire. He continued to throw missiles at police with his shirt wrapped around his head to disguise his identity. A video of the riot was later found on his mobile phone.
Lee-Martin McQuade
Lee-Martin McQuade, 30, received six years and four months imprisonment. He concealed his identity with his hood and was seen next to a burning bed, part of a group that set fire to a mattress. He threw a missile at police and lit an item he picked up. McQuade was involved in preparing a petrol bomb that was later thrown at police, setting fire to PC Zoe Lea. He incited the crowd to throw missiles and kick police shields, accused police of killing the boys, and directed rioters to target officers' legs and bomb the police station. Following his sentencing, gasps were heard from the public gallery.
Gemma Virgin
Gemma Virgin, 45, was sentenced to three years and eight months imprisonment. She was verbally abusive, threw several missiles at police, and brandished a large piece of wood while advancing towards officers. She later admitted to 'jumping on the bandwagon'.
Malaki McQuade
Malaki McQuade, 19, was sentenced to six years detention in a young offenders' institute. He helped make a face covering and covered his own face with a balaclava. He threw missiles at police and was part of a group that pushed a car onto its roof. He was also dealt with for wounding a former partner and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
Liam Black
Liam Black, 21, received six years and nine months detention. He threw missiles at police, including a pallet and a burning plank of wood, and threw fireworks deliberately at officers. He filmed others pushing a car and was verbally abusive when stopped.
Matthew Evans
Matthew Evans, 22, was sentenced to six years and four months imprisonment. He wore a face cover and threw numerous missiles, broke up large items to make them easier to throw, and threw a burning bed frame at police. He also used an aerosol can as a flamethrower to set fire to a vehicle and assisted in turning a vehicle on its side. The judge described his role as 'leading'.
Cameron Carter
Cameron Carter, 20, was sentenced to five years and three months detention. He changed his clothing and put on a face covering to conceal his identity before returning to throw missiles. He threw a monitor, a chair, a baby chair, and a metal drain cover. He also lit an item on fire and threw it at police, kicked a car wing mirror, and helped tip a car onto its roof.
Ryan Knight
Ryan Knight, 21, received five years and four months imprisonment. He removed his shirt to use as a face covering and was one of the first to throw missiles. He threw a bottle, a large rock, and a food waste bin at police. He used an aerosol as a flamethrower and threw burning items at officers.
Kyle Telemaque
Kyle Telemaque, 20, was sentenced to five years detention. He directed people to a garden to collect stones and threw missiles at police. He was involved in setting fire to a bed base, throwing lit objects, and tipping a car onto its roof. He also admitted to possession with intent to supply class B drugs.
Other Sentenced Individuals
- Jamie Jones, 24: five years and two months imprisonment for collecting stones and throwing a food waste bin.
- Zayne Farrugia, 26: six years imprisonment for throwing stones at police.
- Jordan Webster, 30: five years and seven months imprisonment for shouting for a car to 'run them all over' and throwing missiles.
- Jayden Westcott, 21: five years and two months imprisonment for throwing debris and claiming police 'killed his mates'.
- Jumana Fouad, 19: 24-month community order for celebrating police injuries and throwing a missile.
- Lianna Tucker, 20: 24-month community order for striking an officer and throwing missiles.
- James Chappell, 31: four years and four months imprisonment for saying 'I hope cops get hurt this time' and throwing missiles.
- Jasmine Smith, 21: 24-month community order for throwing missiles after being allowed through a cordon. She is pregnant and the sole carer for her baby son.
- Jamie Bateman, 28: five years and nine months imprisonment for breaking a paving slab into pieces used as missiles.
- Liam Williams, 21: four years and three months imprisonment for handing out aerosol cans to accelerate fires.
- Ashdon O'Dare, 28: six years and six months imprisonment for being 'instrumental in striking the match which lit the fuse'.
- Lee Robinson, 39: six years and six months imprisonment for being 'front and centre of the crowd's aggression'.
- Michaela Gonzales, 37: five years and seven months imprisonment for throwing missiles and being vocal.
- Jordan Bratcher, 27: five years and six months imprisonment for persistent stone throwing.
- Tyler Stapleton, 26: four years and four months imprisonment for persistent stone throwing.
- Luke Williams, 32: six years imprisonment for live streaming the riot, cheering when an officer was injured, and encouraging others to join.
- Jaydan Baston, 21: four years and six months detention for throwing rubble at officers.
- McKenzie Pring, 21: four years detention for collecting and throwing missiles.
- Keiron Beccano, 37: five years and six months imprisonment for throwing rubble and smiling.
- Harvey James: 24-month community order for filming and confronting a police officer.
The sentencing hearing concluded with Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke emphasizing the severity of the disorder and its impact on the community and police officers.
