THE Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed that 31 individuals have been charged in connection with the riots in Ely, Cardiff, which erupted in May 2023 after the tragic deaths of two local teenagers. The unrest occurred after Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died in an e-bike crash, leading to violent clashes with police and widespread disruption.
Footage showing a police van following the teenagers moments before the crash triggered hours of unrest on May 22, 2023. The riots saw vehicles torched and fireworks hurled at police on Snowden Road and Stanway Road, just yards from where the fatal crash occurred. Around 150 people took part in the violence, leaving police officers injured, property damaged, and local residents fearful.
In September 2024, the CPS announced charges against 31 individuals involved in the riots. A total of 27 people are charged with riot, while four others face charges of causing or threatening to cause criminal damage. The defendants are scheduled to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on 19 and 20 September 2024.
List of those charged:
- Ryan Knight (DOB: 19.10.2004) from Splott, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Kyle Telemaque (DOB: 17.10.2005) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Connor O’Sullivan (DOB: 3.4.1999) from Caerau, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Callum O’Sullivan (DOB: 25.10.2000) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Jayden Westcott (DOB: 19.8.2004) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Jordan Webster (DOB: 6.12.1995) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Zayne Farrugia (DOB: 7.5.2000) from Caerau, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Harvey James (DOB: 20.11.2005) from Fairwater, Cardiff – Charged with riot and possession of cannabis on 17.7.23
- Lianna Tucker (DOB: 2.2.2006) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Jumana Fouad (DOB: 17.7.2006) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Jamie Martin (DOB: 22.12.2000) from Llanrumney, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Jayden Baston (DOB: 29.7.2004) from Caerau, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Jordan Bratcher (DOB: 1.7.1998) from Llanishen, Cardiff – Charged with riot and possession of cannabis on 20.9.23
- Kieron Beccano (DOB: 1.11.1998) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- McKenzie Pring (DOB: 2.12.2004) from Caerau, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Michaela Gonzales (DOB: 5.7.1998) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- McKenzie Danks (DOB: 27.4.2003) from Caerau, Cardiff – Charged with riot and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker
- Ashdon O’Dare (DOB: 13.11.1997) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Lee Robinson (DOB: 2.11.1996) – Charged with riot
- Luke Williams (DOB: 2.10.1993) from Caerau, Cardiff – Charged with riot
- Janine Reffell (DOB: 29.06.1971) from Ely, Cardiff – Charged with criminal damage
- Morgan Williams (DOB: 3.5.2006) from Pentwyn, Cardiff – Charged with threatening to cause criminal damage
- Jayden Williams (DOB: 3.5.2006) from Grangetown, Cardiff – Charged with threatening to cause criminal damage
Eight defendants aged 15 to 17 face charges but cannot be named due to legal restrictions:
- Seven of the youth defendants are charged with riot.
- One youth defendant is charged with threatening to cause criminal damage.
Earlier this year, more than 20 people appeared in court facing charges related to a memorial ride-out from Ely to Barry in memory of the teenagers.
Chief Superintendent Danny Richards, from South Wales Police, emphasised the impact of the riots on the community. “During the disorder, several vehicles were set alight, property was damaged, police officers were injured, and residents were scared in their homes,” he said. Richards praised the community for its support during the investigation and noted that police now await the outcome of the court process.
The legal charge of riot, under the Public Order Act 1986, carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The court proceedings will now determine the fate of those charged in connection with one of Cardiff’s most significant public disturbances in recent years.
