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NewsBeat

The 30 rioters who brought anarchy to Ely and their exact roles in the bedlam

Published

on

Wales Online

Here is a round up of the rioters who are due to be sentenced for their role in the disorder in the Cardiff surburb in 2023.

The violence, destruction and disorder that gripped Ely after the deaths of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans on May 22, 2023, was the worst rioting Cardiff has seen for a generation.

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Cars were tipped over and torched. Bottles, bricks, burning objects and fireworks were launched at police. Mattresses were set alight and petrol bombs thrown.

There remain unanswered questions about the actions of a police van that had been driving behind the teenagers earlier in the day – and the account given by South Wales Police at the time. The police watchdog, the IoPC, is still investigating.

And there remain questions about how the police handled the initial, difficult, distressed scenes on Snowdon Road where the mothers of the boys were unable to see their children and officers faced angry friends of the boys.

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Yet there are no questions about what developed later that evening. Residents were terrified as people from outside the area joined a mob intent on violence and destruction with police officers their target and no concern for the impact on people’s lives and belongings.

Today, thirty of those people – some from Ely others from many other parts of south Wales – will find out in Cardiff Crown Court the price they will pay.

Ashdon O’Dare

Ashdon O’Dare, 28, of Penygarn Road, Ely, was said to be instrumental in encouraging and whipping up the crowd. He was described as an instigator who “escalated the level of violence and disorder”.

O’Dare was said to have family connections with Harvey Evans and Kyrees Sullivan, and was concerned for his younger brother who had been with the deceased that day

O’Dare saw the bodies of Kyrees and Harvey in the street, which he found upsetting and distressing. The court heard his actions were impulsive but confined to verbal actions and language. The defendant established the football team “K and H forever young” in memory of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans.

He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.

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Jamie Jones

Jamie Jones, 24, of Llanrumney, was a stone and missile thrower shortly after the escalation of the riot. He was part of the crowd which initially confronted the police and threw missiles during the early stages.

He initially stood towards the back of the crowd but walked to a garden to collect stones to use as missiles at the police. He also threw a bin towards the police line, narrowly missing defendant Lee Robinson.

Jones was said to have known Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans and “reacted badly” after rumours spread about how the boys died. The defendant had previously been employed in fire proofing and was diagnosed with diabetes as a child, which eventually led to him being unable to work after suffering an infection in his feet.

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He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Matthew Evans

The images of a burning car defined the Ely riots and Evans, 22, of Kenwood Road, Ely, was responsible. He used an aerosol can as a flamethrower to set fire to a red Citroen, which went up in flames.

Cardiff Crown Court heard he was first sighted at 6.35pm some 30 minutes after the boys had died. At the time, he was wearing a blue t-shirt.

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He left the scene shortly after 9pm but he returned 20 minutes later wearing a different top and attempting to cover his face.

The court was told: “He was active from that point, throwing stones and large missiles, including a burning bed frame, at officers. He was seen to set fire to the mattress in the middle of the road, which became the source of a bonfire. Later in the evening he was seen to set fire to a red car by smashing the window and usin, causing a fire to start within.

His defence said that Evans knew Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, and was “deeply concerned” about what had happened to them. He has a three-month-old daughter and the defendant was said to be a “loving and caring father”, in “stark contrast” to the person shown in the footage.

He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

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Cameron Carter

Cameron Carter, 20, of Ely, was a prolific stone and missile thrower, including large missiles. He threw a baby chair, a TV monitor, and a metal drain cover.

Carter was seen to arrive at the scene together with Matthew Evans and they left shortly after 9pm. They returned having changed their clothes and attempted to conceal their faces.

He was seen to approach the police line with an unknown weapon in hand and threw lit items at the police. He was also at the forefront of a group tipping a car.

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The prosecution said Carter played a “central and leading role in proceedings”.

In mitigation, it was said the defendant became “frightened” by the extent of the riot towards the latter stages. He had a difficult background but has prospects in work having set up his own business as a mechanic.

Since the riot, he has become a father twice and is due to become a father for the third time.

He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

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Ryan Knight

Ryan Knight, 21, of Splott, made an outburst in court during the prosecution opening, saying “What about Harvey and Kyrees? I haven’t heard their names once.” As a result he was sent to the cells.

His involvement was described as “persistent and prolific”. He was a stone and missile thrower and threw items he set alight at officers. He was one of the first at the scene, just after 7pm, and was involved in the escalation of missile throwing that evening.

The defendant was referred to as “prominent, aggressive and prolific” rioters before the courts.

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He was seen early on to remove his shirt to cover his face, threw a bottle and went to a garden to pick up stones. He was part of a group collecting debris from a trolley and stood alone continuing to throw debris. On the footage, Knight was seen to throw missiles at police at close range and placed himself in a prominent position.

Minutes later he was subjected to a shield strike because of his closeness to the police. He was seen to remove his clothing and stood his ground posturing. He continued to throw missiles and was described as “incessant”. At 9.30pm he used an aerosol can as a flamethrower to light something on the ground before kicking it at officers. At 11.06pm, he was carrying a bucket, its contents on fire, and threw the lit bucket towards the police before throwing more missiles. He was last seen at 11.40pm.

Knight failed to turn up to court on September 19, 2024, and was arrested on March 16, 2025, while hiding under a friend’s bed at a house in Ely.

In mitigation, it was said Knight has recognised mental disorders and had a difficult background due to his father being violent towards his mother while battling alcoholism and substance abuse. He also grew up with an involvement from child mental health services, and he experienced a decline in health during the Covid pandemic.

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The defendant was said to be distressed by the passing of his two friends and he lashed out. He was particularly close to Harvey Evans

He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

Liam Williams

Liam Williams, 21, of Newport Road, Rumney, attended the scene in a van with aerosol cans and cans of fuel. He handed out aerosol cans to rioters which were used as improvised flamethrowers and to accelerate lit fires.

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He didn’t attend the scene until 11.35pm and was in his works van which contained cans and fuel. An unknown male threw an aerosol can on fire at the police line. More canisters are coming and another male is seen to approach with more canisters on fire, thrown behind the police line.

Live stream footage shows the defendant saying ‘I have just given five cans of f****** aerosol’’. At 11.36pm, Williams exits his van and hands out aerosol cans from the back of the van. A male can be hard saying ‘Put them on fire’

Canisters were being used by rioters as flamethrowers to accelerate a fire in a red Citroen vehicle. Williams then left the scene but cans continued to feature.”

The defendant had been out working near Ely with his father on the day of the riot, and upon hearing the news he made a decision to go there. He later claimed he had attended the riots inadvertently and the cans were “taken by masked men”.

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He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Jordan Webster

Jordan Webster, 30, of Ely, was a stone and missile thrower during the initial escalation and assisted others as the riot escalated. He was part of the crowd which initially confronted the police and was one of the first to conceal his face, pulling his hood tightly over his face.

He threw missiles and stones during the early stages and could be heard saying “Run them over” in relation to a black Audi in the road. He pushed others forward, ran to a garden to grab stones and pushed a trolley full of debris to throw at officers.

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Webster has been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. He cares for his young daughter and his grandmother, with whom he lives on a part time basis.

He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Kyle Telemaque

Kyle Telemaque, 20, of Deere Place, Ely, was a prolific stone or missile thrower. He was present throughout the riot and continuously involved. He was said to be a permanent figure in the riots and was encouraging the crowd.

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Telemaque was first seen at 6.29pm and was involved in the escalation of missile throwing and continued to throw missiles throughout the evening. He also set items alight and threw lit items towards the police. Messages were later found on his phone in which he accepted injuring an officer and blowing up a car.

He was said to be a “personal friend” of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. The court heard Telemaque spoke to Kyrees just 14 minutes before the collision He was informed by others that the two boys had been killed, and did not believe it but travelled to the scene and saw them in the street.

The defendant was said to have had flashbacks about his own father’s death at the scene of a motorbike collision.

He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

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Lianna Tucker

Lianna Tucker, 20, of Ely, threw multiple missiles at 9.20pm and remained at the scene until the early hours. She was present at the junction of Wilson Road and Snowden Road and was seen in the vicinity when police started to move the cordon back.

“She was remonstrating with officers and was one of the last to move away from the cordon as the crowd moved back. When the crowd began to throw missiles, she moved away and wasn’t seen to throw anything in the initial stages. Around 9pm, she starts to throw broken up plasterboard. She is later seen in the crowd in the early hours of the morning.

She was confrontational and was heard saying “Get your f****** hands off me”. She was one of the last to move back, picked up items off the ground and handed them to defendant Kyle Telemaque. She was also seen picking up items from the floor and throwing them.

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The defendant told one officer: “You daft c*** keep away from me.” She was arrested and interviewed, and said: “I heard feds, I went up by Wilson where the boys had died… I was told by everyone it was the feds who killed them, and did something I shouldn’t have and joined in… I thought it was you guys who had killed them.”

Tucker was said have seen Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans on the floor having medical assistance which had a profound effect on her. She has been diagnosed with complex PTSD from trauma in her childhood, and exacerbated by the events she saw on the night of the riot.

She is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Jumana Fouad

Jumana Fouad, 19, of Ely, was a missile thrower and celebrated when an officer got injured. She was present until after midnight.

She was first seen at 6.30pm and was present throughout. She joined in with missile throwers when a number of rioters had gathered debris from a pile in the road. She was later seen with a group that set fire to a burning mattress and continued throwing missiles into the night.

She was seen throwing a large missile at 10.05pm which connected with a police shield.

Fouad was said to be a carer for her mother who suffers with fibromyalgia, and at the time of her offending the defendant had been subjected to racial bullying which impacted her mental health.

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She is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Jamie Bateman

Jamie Bateman, 28, of Vervain Close, Caerau, broke up a paving slab to be used as ammunition to throw at the police. He also became involved and threw a missile at police.

He was seen at 6.40pm in the crowd and remained part of the crowd when tensions began to develop at 8.30pm. He made indignant comments to officers and shortly before 8.40pm he was seen to point at a garden and interact with other rioters. He was seen to retrieve a large paving slab from the garden, raised it above his head and threw it on the floor, breaking it into pieces to be used to throw at the police.

The defendant later picked up a piece of plasterboard and threw it as the police cordon. He remained in the area interacting with other rioters and went into a garden looking for items to be used as missiles. At 9.20pm, he was standing next to a mattress which had been set on fire. He remained at the scene until shortly after midnight.”

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Williams was said to have had had a difficult and traumatic childhood after being placed into care. The defendant’s father took his own life when Bateman was 15-years-old and he also suffered the loss of his grandmother. He has had periods of employment but due to his mental health these have been sporadic.

He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Lee-Martin McQuade

Lee-Martin McQuade, 30, of Ely, was aggressively shouting at police throughout and encouraged rioters to hit Ely police station. He threw missiles and burned an area near a lit mattress and helped others preparing a petrol bomb.

This was thrown at a car and he joined in attacks on police vehicles.

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The defendant was vocal in shouting abuse at officers in the early stages, calling them “wrong uns” and said they “got thrills chasing youths on bikes”. He wore a face covering during a period of missile throwing which was “sustained and heavy”.

McQuade threw missiles himself before throwing a lit object at a lit mattress. He was with a group preparing a petrol bomb and could be heard shouting “Hit Ely police station” as Liam Williams was giving out aerosol cans. The defendant attacked a motorbike, encouraged others to light it up and joined in attacking vehicles himself.

The defendant said: “Load up on bricks, yo yo, all my f****** young Gs, get bricks, we need those, everything f****** now” and “Kick the officer’s shields.” The defendant also said: “Don’t kill people’s kids, we don’t want to do this but we have to, you’re horrible c****.

“We’re normal people living a normal life, well you c**** hurt kids, you caused this killing people’s kids. Imagine it was your kids who got knocked off their bikes and were lying dead on the side of the road you horrible c****.

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“I am not even that person, you pushed us to this you horrible c****. Put a drone up, it’s easy but you get a f****** thrill. I hope you’re f****** proud of yourselves, I hope you enjoy your £20 an hour.” The defendant also told rioters to carry out “leg shots” as the police shields did not cover officers’ legs and encouraged the crowd to “bombard” Ely police station with bricks.

In mitigation, McQuade was said to have stopped working due to the “stress and mental health issues” concerning the sentencing hearing and the sentence he may face. He has a partner and two children, and resides part time with his father who he cares for.

He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

Malaki McQuade

Malaki McQuade, 19, of Ely, was involved in the tipping of a car onto its side. He was present throughout but not involved in the initial throwing. He seemed to help others in covering their faces using their clothing.

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He threw a missile just before 9.30pm and was later part of a group that tipped a car on its side. the defendant also provided assistance to co-defendants Ryan Knight and Kyle Telemaque during the course of the riot.

McQuade was said to have had experienced “traumatic events” in his childhood, including the death of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, which led him to using cannabis.

He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

Gemma Virgin

Gemma Virgin, 45, of Ely, was a missile thrower. She was first seen late on at 10.26pm when she was immediately confrontational and abusive towards officers. She threw a missile at an officer and taunted the police while brandishing a piece of wood at them as she did so.

She was verbally abusive while throwing missiles at the police, turned to the crowd and raised her arms in the air before brandishing a piece of wood.

Virgin accepted “jumping on a bandwagon” and said she was “shameful and remorseful” for her actions as she was a grandmother.

In mitigation, it was said the defendantr’s state of mind at the time of the riot was at a low point, and she has been diagnosed with OCD and anxiety.

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Virgin he defendant turned to alcohol following the death of her father, and she has five children, the youngest being 16-years-old, and two grandchildren.

She is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

Liam Black

Liam Black, 21, of Addison Crescent, Ely, was a prolific stone and missile thrower at the head of the riot and threw fireworks directly at the police.

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He was at the scene from an early stage and present when missile throwing escalated but did not directly get involved at that stage. Youths were seen to gather around his car and threw stones. He drove his car from the scene, left it nearby and returned having changed his clothes in an attempt to disguise his appearance.

He was a prolific thrower of stones and fireworks and was very much at the forefront of the crowd.

Black threw a lit firework at police, which landed just before the police line and caused officers to retreat. He also threw a lit plank of wood at the police. The defendant was part of a group which tipped over a car.

The defendant resides with his grandmother in order to support her, and is dependent on her grandson due to her physical disabilities.

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He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

Michaela Gonzales

Michaela Gonzales, 37, of Plymouth Wood Close, Ely, was one of those in the initial flurry of missile throwing. The court heard she threw a bottle and hid behind a car. The prosecution said Gonzales’s role was not a prominent one at the time and that she was not the first person to throw a missile.

In mitigaiton, it was said Gonzales was involved in looking after the families of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans

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Gonzales was said to suffer from a range of mental health conditions including schizophrenia. and has been impacted by a “significantly difficult and deprived upbringing”. She was the victim of repeated domestic violence as a child and the court hearsdthis had continued into adulthood.

She is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.

Lee Robinson

Lee Robinson, 39, of Heol Deva, Caerau, made himself visible as the crowd became increasingly hostile as the police cordon moved towards Stanway Road.

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He placed himself front and centre, sometimes standing alone, making it difficult for police to move forward. He was an aggressive focal point and successfully drew attention to himself, gathering others around him who similarly began acting in an aggressive manner.

His aggressive demeanour continued throughout those early stages to encourage others to follow his example. He fixated on PC Ellary to engage in a fight, saying ‘I want you, come on bruv, stop hiding behind a dog, I’ll f****** kill you here’.

In footage filmed by himself, Robinson could be heard saying “Murderers, killing people. Shooting dogs and killing kids. Biggest organised crime gang… The Ely riots of 2023.” He filmed fires in the middle of the road and police helicopters in the sky, and of himself cheering loudly as a petrol bomb was thrown at the police.

Robinson was said to have had a difficult start in life and was adopted by foster parents. He has been diagnosed with ADHD, has few qualifications, suffered a road traffic accident which caused a head injury, and has been treated for depression.

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He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.

Callum O’Sullivan

Callum O’Sullivan, 25, of Ely, was present throughout the riot from an early stage. He joined in the missile throwing and continued to throw missiles for some time.

At 9.20pm, he threw his first missile at police and for some time after that he repeatedly threw missiles for the remainder of the riot. At 9.56pm he placed a bag of unknown contents next to a divan bed. Other rioters helped themselves to the contents of the bag to set it alight.

Later that evening, O’Sullivan was seen removing his t-shirt and placed it around his head to disguise his identity.

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O’Sullivan was said suffered “childhood trauma” and is suffering from PTSD. He was subjected to emotional and physical abuse and neglect, placed into care at the age of 13 and left school with no qualifications.

He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Harvey James

Harvey James, 20, of Ely, was part of the congregating crowd resisting police efforts to move the line up Wilson Road and later threw a missile at police.. The prosecution said the defendant was not regarded as an “instigator”.

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James was said to have known Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey James and arrived at the shortly after his shift at The Range and was still wearing his uniform. He was contacted by his cousin about the boy’s deaths and went to assist his cousin.

The defendant was later picked up by his mother, and now realises the consequences of his actions that night. As a result of his involvement, James lost his job at The Range.

He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.

Tyler Stapleton

Tyler Stapleton, 26, of Llewellyn Avenue, Ely, was one of the missile throwers in the initial throwing. He left shortly after throwing those missiles.

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He was present from around 7.30pm and joined a group confronting police at 8.30pm. He was one of the first to throw missiles after making an attempt to conceal his face. The defendant was arrested and provided a prepared statement saying he had done something “incredibly stupid” and had “copied the actions of someone else”.

Stapleton knew both Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. He currently resides with his father but he has a 12-month old child and he and his partner are keen to find their own home. Since he found out he was to become a father, Stapleton abstained from using cannabis and is regularly drug tested in his workplace.

He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17..

McKenzie Pring

McKenzie Pring, 21, of Caerau, was a stone and missile thrower during the initial escalation.

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“He arrived at the scene shortly after the collision, watched from a short distance until the disorder began to escalate. He became involved in the first flurry of stone throwing, gathered stones from a nearby garden, and threw them at police.

Pring was described as a “good friend” of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. He spoke to one of their mothers and was trying to “support people” but when information seeped through and others began challenging the police, the defendant threw three missiles.

He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17..

Jayden Westcott

Jayden Westcott, 21, of Ely, was a stone and missile thrower. He was first sighted at 8.23pm, wearing an orange top, and joined the group directly in front of the police line.

He later threw missiles at the police after the initial escalation, wore a dark hoody with the hood pulled up, before throwing numerous missiles at the police.

Westcott was also seen dragging a trolley of debris for others to throw and encouraging others during the riot. Messages were later found on the phone, in which he agreed “feds’ going to die tonight”. He also said he had “slit one’s face”.

It was said he went to the scene having been informed by his mother matters were escalating and his 12-year-old brother was there, but he got caught up in “emotional scenes”. The defendant was said to have known Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans well.

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He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Jasmine Smith

Jasmine Smith, 21, of Heath, threw two missiles later on in the evening. She was seen shortly before 8pm approaching the front of the cordon. She witnessed the aggression of others and told an officer ‘You want to kill another kid tonight, I’m here’.

She approached the front of the cordon and asked to be let through, claiming she had a panic attack. She was let through but returned to the active side of the cordon and reentered the crowd. She remained at the scene and just before 10pm she watched the crowd trying to set fire to a bed frame. Something was illuminated in her hand before it was extinguished. At 10.34pm she was seen throwing two missiles towards the police. She stayed at the scene until midnight.

Smith is related to Harvey Evans who was her cousin. She saw Harvey and Kyrees’ mothers were crying at the scene, but didn’t know what happened to them After it was announced they had died, she became swept up in the mob instead of dealing with her grief.

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The defendant has an eight-month-old son and is pregnant with her second child. She grew up as a child in care, which led to drug misuse and mental health issues. She was heavily using drugs at the time of her arrest, but is now clean and has been for some time.

She is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Keiron Beccano

Keiron Beccano, 37, of Clos y Cwarra, Ely, was a stone and missile thrower shortly after the initial escalation. He was part of the crowd that initially confronted the police and was seen to throw missiles and stones at police before breaking up debris on the floor and encouraging others to get involved.

Beccano was smiling as others were throwing missiles and rubble at police.

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The defendant has caring responsibilities for a number of his children and has a diagnosis for PTSD.

He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.

Jaydan Baston

Jaydan Baston, 21, of Heol Poyston, Caerau, was a missile thrower during the initial escalation of the riot.

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The defendant asked police a “mocking question”, in which he said “Are you going to use that baton?” He stood with missile throwers during the initial escalation laughing. At 9.10pm he collected rubble from a pile in the road and threw them at police.

Baston helped to set up a football team in memory of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. At the time of the collison, he was playing football and when he went to the scene he became aware later on the two deceased were friends of his. He has references from the boys’ mothers, he knew them well and went to their houses.

He has an eight-week-old baby. His father died in 2021 and his grandfather is terminally ill. Baston lost his job as a result of his involvement in the riot, but has found new employment as a labourer.

He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.

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Connor O’Sullivan

Connor O’Sullivan, 27, of Caerau Court Road, Caerau, was present throughout the riot, initially watching but becoming involved in the later stages by throwing a missile.

He arrived just before 6.30pm and mingled with the crowd without incident before the riot took hold. At 9.10pm he was standing in the vicinity of the rioters, watching on as missile throwing intensified. Those he was with were throwing plasterboard and at 9.30pm he threw a missile for the first time.

“At 9.50pm, he removed his top and used it as a face covering, and was throwing missiles on a number of occasions for the remainder of the evening. At 11.05pm he was handing bricks to another and threw a brick towards the police line. He encouraged others with calls to the crowd of ‘Come on, come on boys, any more?’ and ‘Ely gang’.

The court also heard O’Sullivan assisted others in attempting to throw a door at the police.

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O’Sullivan was said to have a number of learning difficulties, including ADHD. the defendant had difficult background, was taken into care at the age of nine-years-old and received special education needs in school.

He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.

Luke Williams

Luke Williams, 32, of Deere Place, Caerau, live streamed what was happening on Facebook..

The prosecution said he repeatedly blamed police officers for the death of the boys and was hostile about and towards police officers. He was accused of cheering when he saw officers being injured and suggested officers should be euthanised.

“At 9.38pm he told the livestream ‘This is in Ely, Stanway Road, for anyone watching who wants to come and join in. I’m not advising you to, I’m advising you to stay away’. He celebrated acts of violence including someone throwing a petrol bomb and only stopped livestreaming when his phone ran out of battery. He was seen on body worn footage at the scene after midnight.

It was said Williams’ education was disrupted due to multiple hospital admissions, due to complex mental and physical needs. The defendant has suffered from serious mental health issues including suicidal ideation and two detainments under the Mental Health Act.

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The defendant has a long standing relationship and has two daughters, and if imprisoned this would have an impact on his family. Williams has suffered a recent loss of sight which has exacerbated his anxiety and he has a heart condition which resulted in a pacemaker being fitted.

He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.

Jordan Bratcher

Jordan Bratcher, 27, of Glyndwr Road, Ely, was a stone and missile thrower during the initial escalation of the riot. He arrived at the scene at 8.15pm with Jamie Jones. There was a confrontational crowd forming before the police line.

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Bratcher was present but was not a part of that crowd. As police entered Stanway Road he became directly involved and was one of 12 plus involved in missile throwing in the initial flurry. He was one of several seen entering a garden, collecting stones and gravel that were thrown at police. He left the scene at 8.40pm and is not seen again.

The defendant is said to be a carer for his grandmother on a daily basis, and has struggles with his mental health.

He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.

James Chappell

James Chappell, 31, of Barry, was a thrower of missiles for a short period after 9pm. He appeared at the scene just before 8.15pm on Wilson Road as the riot starts to take hold.

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A man can be heard commenting ‘They’re all battering them up there’ and Chappell responds ‘Yeah, good. I hope cops get hurt’. He is prevented from moving towards the cordon and gets in his car and drives around to Stanway Road. He exits and walks towards the cordon and mingles with the crowd.

At 9.10pm he joined in the violence by throwing several missiles in quick succession for three minutes before leaving the area.

Chappell had driven from his home in Barry to Ely with his partner and three daughters in order to visit his father in Stanway Road. Having dropped his partner and children and his father’s home, he went to the scene of the riot and was first seen at 8.14pm. The defendant decided to leave the scene and return to Barry with his family and “things were getting out of hand”.

The defendant was also said to be in ill health with a degenerative condition, which has left him unable to work.

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He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

Zayne Farrugia

Zayne Farrugia, 26, of Heol Ebwy, Caerau, was a stone and missile thrower shortly after the initial escalation.

He was part of the group that remained close to the police once batons had been drawn and one of the first to enter a garden in Stanway Road to get stones to throw at police. He put stones in his pocket to throw at police. As officers surged up Stanway Road, he turned and threw stones as he retreated up the road.

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Farrugia was said to have made “huge changes” in his life following the riots, including stopping his use of cannabis and getting into a position where he can find employment following the court proceedings. The defendant was said to have suffered from mental health struggles.

He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.

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NewsBeat

Liverpool news: Darwin Nunez’s feelings clear as Man Utd transfer blocked

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on

Daily Mirror

Today’s Liverpool latest sees Darwin Nunez and Man Utd feature on the Reds’ transfer radar

The World Cup may be in full swing, but so is transfer season for Liverpool. It’s hard to go a few hours at the moment without seeing a player the Reds are being linked with in action across the USA, Mexico and Canada.

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The summer window is only three days old, but that hasn’t prevented Liverpool from being rumoured with holding an interest in the likes of Yan Diomande, Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Germany’s Nico Schlotterbeck.

However, it’s talk of a return to Anfield for Darwin Nunez that has really intrigued and today’s news sees the Uruguayan’s thoughts on the Reds resurface. Elsewhere, Manchester United have set terms for a potential stunning transfer.

Nunez’s thoughts on Liverpool

Talk of Nunez returning to the Reds has been rife in recent days after reports close to the Uruguayan World Cup camp claimed he is to sign for Liverpool again this summer.

While those reports have been played down, with The Athletic claiming any rumours of the striker re-joining the club are wide of the mark, Nunez’s thoughts on his former club have re-emerged.

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The forward signed for Al-Hilal from Liverpool last summer. However, he was axed from the squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema in January but recent comments reveal he still holds hisold club close to his heart.

Speaking to AUFTV in March, he said: “Yes, I’d be lying if I said no, that I don’t miss them,” he said. “The truth is they made me feel very good and my family too.

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“In difficult moments that I went through personally, the people always gave me that affection, that support and that was very important to me. Obviously I miss Liverpool, I miss them a lot.”

Man Utd block transfer

Man Utd are said to have blocked Liverpool and Manchester City from making a move for Marcus Rashford this summer. The Athletic has reported that the striker is available for £40m due to a clause in his contract, but that clause does not apply to the Reds or City, United’s biggest rivals.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he helped the club win the La Liga title, scoring 14 goals and claiming ten assists. However, the Spanish giants have chosen not to make his move permanent and the 28-year-old is set to return to Old Trafford.

Clubs such as Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with Rashford. Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper David James reckons the Reds should test the waters for the boyhood United fan with a cheeky bid.

“If I were Liverpool, I’d look to sign Marcus Rashford. I really would,” James told BetVictor. “Whether he plays on the left or the right isn’t the main issue. Get him in first, and then you give it time to work out his best position. I think he’s an outstanding footballer. His football intelligence is off the scale, and so is his ability.”

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Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’

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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

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York whisky shop from Royal Mile Whiskies owners plans

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York whisky shop from Royal Mile Whiskies owners plans

The Dormant Distillery Company, which owns the Royal Mile Whiskies merchants and other brands, has applied to open a shop in the former Smiggle store in Coney Street.

The company’s licensing application stated the store would serve as the world-respected whisky seller’s flagship store for England.

Plans from the firm come after children’s stationary and accessories brand Smiggle closed in Coney Street in June last year.


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The whisky seller’s store would open from 10am to 10pm daily if the application is approved by City of York Council.

Plans stated: “The application is for a world respected independent whisky retailer, opening its flagship store for England in York.”

The Dormant Distillery Company is based in Perth, Scotland, and is part of the Vintage Saga group which acquired it and the various brands it owns in 2022.

Dormant owns Royal Mile Whiskies which launched with the opening of a shop in the street of the same name in Edinburgh’s old town in 1991.

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The shop would open in the former Smiggle store in Coney Street which closed last year (Image: Newsquest)

It launched a website in 2000 which has gone on to sell whiskies to customers globally and also has a store in St Andrews.

Royal Mile won Whisky Magazine’s Retailer of the Year award in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2015.

They also won Online Retailer of the Year in 2020.

Owners Dormant Distillery Company started as a retailer and occasional bottler in 1997.

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The firm specialises in selling whiskies, particularly Scottish single malt whisky, and has released its own limited edition products under both the Royal Mile and Dormant names.

The latter produced a series of independent single cask releases from 1997 to 2007 each of which was from a dormant Scottish distillery.

The Dormant Distillery Company also owns the Cigarbox store in Edinburgh and the Drinkmonger shops, also in the Scottish capital and Pitlochry.

The licensing application for the York store is open for public comments until Friday, July 10.

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York dates for Settle & Carlisle railway 150th steam trains

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York dates for Settle & Carlisle railway 150th steam trains

The historic route, first opened to passenger steam trains in 1876, will be celebrated with a series of special journeys operated by heritage rail operator, The Railway Touring Company.

The Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle & Carlisle Line. Photo: The Railway Touring CompanyThe Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle & Carlisle Line. (Image: The Railway Touring Company)

Its popular summer service, The Waverley, will run on four dates – July 19, August 9 and 23, and September 13 – departing from York as well as Leeds, Keighley and Skipton. Booking is required.


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The trips will see passengers travel the full length of the iconic line behind a steam locomotive, with the outward and return journeys both steam-hauled. Travellers will also have time to explore Carlisle, including its castle and cathedral, before returning.

The Settle & Carlisle Railway is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most scenic routes, taking in landmarks such as Ribblehead Viaduct, Blea Moor Tunnel and views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, as well as steep climbs to Ais Gill and Dent.

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The Railway Touring Company has run the service each summer since 2010, bringing thousands of passengers to the route.

The Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle & Carlisle Line. Photo: The Railway Touring CompanyYork dates for Settle & Carlisle railway 150th steam trains have been revealed. (Image: The Railway Touring Company)

Kelly Osborne, managing director of the company, said: The Settle & Carlisle Railway is an experience on many people’s bucket list.

“Taking the journey by steam is the icing on the cake with passengers young and old never failing to be excited by the combination of a magnificent steam locomotive and this dramatic route.”

This year’s trains are expected to be hauled by Battle of Britain Class locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere, built in 1947.

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Alongside the excursions, organisations including the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company and the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust are planning additional events to mark the anniversary.

More information and booking details are available at railwaytouring.net.

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Ruth Langsford set to write more books after memoir becomes a bestseller

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She has a hit on her hands with her memoir Feeling Fabulous and is poised to follow it up in the future.

Ruth Langsford is set to put pen to paper again with more writing about her life – once her divorce is settled.

The TV host released hardback Feeling Fabulous in February and it was an instant bestseller. It is thought publishers are keen for a follow up and would also welcome an extra chapter for the paperback version of the book in the future.

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In an interview with OK! Magazine, Ruth was asked about a follow up and said “Watch this space”. She added: “Writing is something that I hadn’t really considered as part of my career plan but I really enjoyed the process of talking through the topics that we’d cover, of re-reading the chapters and tweaking parts.

“Reading the audio book was a little strange, reading your own words out loud. I found parts of that very emotional but overall I loved the whole experience and it’s definitely something I would consider doing more of. There are a few ideas I’m thinking about so as I say watch this space.”

Feeling Fabulous got to number two in the Sunday Times Bestseller list and stayed in the top 10 for four weeks. Ruth, 66, is still having to deal with ongoing issues around her divorce with Eamonn Holmes, which looks set to go to court at the end of the year to agree the financial terms.

In Feeling Fabulous, Ruth told of the impact her split from Eamonn had on her. Over the last two years she has needed good friends to wipe away tears and advice from a therapist massively helped her move on too.

A court date has been set for November which will hopefully draw a line under their split, which happened over two years ago.

But before that, Ruth has plans to have some fun in the sun with pals. She told OK! : “I’ve planned a girls trip at the end of the summer – we’re not sure where we’re going yet but it will include sun, some good books, good food and a glass of wine or three!”

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Ruth is also busy with TV work on ITV ‘s Loose Women and the QVC channel where she helps sell her own clothes range. Ex-husband Eamonn has been off work from GB News for more than two months now after suffering a stroke.

As well as her love life, Ruth also discussed other elements of her life in the book including appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, her friendships formed on Loose Women and movingly how she has coped with her parents both getting dementia and the death of her beloved sister Julia to suicide.

* The full interview with Ruth is in the latest issue of OK! Magazine, out now.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Durham man says medical cannabis has changed his life

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Durham man says medical cannabis has changed his life

Greg Weirs, 39, from Durham, lives with sleep apnoea and fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue, and had spent years trying different medications with little relief and frequent side effects.

He said: “I was getting sporadic pains, stinging, burning, like a poker’s getting stuck in me – that could be in my feet, hands, legs, or head.

“I never felt like I’d had a rested night.”

Mr Weirs said the pain and exhaustion often left him unable to function or enjoy life.

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He said: “For a good few years, I’ve been going through every medication possible – they didn’t work, I just felt more groggy than anything.

“It would just wipe me out, and I’d be asleep all the time, not really living.”

After finding some relief from illicit cannabis gummies, Mr Weirs researched legal options and discovered a medical cannabis clinic, through social media.

He decided to try it despite actually disliking cannabis.

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He said: “I absolutely hate cannabis, I don’t like the taste, I don’t like anything about it, but it works.”

Greg Weirs from Durham (Image: Releaf)

Following an online consultation with the clinic, Releaf, he was prescribed medical cannabis in oil and flower form, which he uses with a vaporiser, the legal method of administration in the UK as smoking medical cannabis remains illegal.

The results, he said, were immediate.

He said: “I’ve done things that I’ve not done in forever.

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“The last couple of days, I’ve been decorating the kitchen and I haven’t had one bit of pain.”

Mr Weirs has since stopped using other medications entirely.

Now, he is sharing his experience to encourage others with similar conditions to consider medical cannabis as an option.

He said: “Just go for it.

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“You can be on strong medication for the whole of your life and be no further forward, where at least with cannabis oils and stuff like that, flower, it takes the inflammation down as well.”

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World Cup 2026: Haaland rises to the occasion on World Cup debut

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A picture of the World Cup predictor, with text alongside reading "Predict the World Cup"

If there is a stage that is too big for Erling Haaland, we’re yet to find it.

A hat-trick on his Champions League debut for RB Salzburg, a hat-trick on his Bundesliga debut for Dortmund, a double on his Premier League debut for Manchester City, and now two goals on his World Cup finals debut, inspiring Norway to a 4-1 win over Iraq.

The 2026 World Cup might be six days in, but it felt as if it really began on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe inspiring France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal with two superb goals which made him Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer.

Little over an hour later, Haaland strode out for his first World Cup appearance and picked up the gauntlet thrown by Mbappe, nearly 18 months his senior, with a display full of desire, as well as the goals we have come to expect.

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Norway manager Stale Solbakken said afterwards: “You can see he lived up to the occasion – it wasn’t too big for him.

“I had a good feeling before the game, the last training session was very good. I had a feeling he would do it for us today.”

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold added: “He’s just an amazing number nine. We dealt with him quite well for a lot of the game [but] at the end of the day he’s a top striker.

“Norway could shock a lot of people with the team they have. They could go a very long way.”

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Arnold spoke to Haaland after the final whistle and revealed: “I just said to him: ‘You’re one of the best number nines I’ve ever seen.’ He’s so strong, so quick and he’s just lethal.”

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How a young man fled Islamic terror group only to be forced from his home in Belfast

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Zakaria’s father was killed by terrorist group Al-Shabaab in Somalia

A young man who fled the Islamic terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab found himself running from his home in fear in Belfast following racist attacks and disorder in the city.

Zakaria arrived in Belfast in January after his mum helped him flee Somalia after their family had been targeted by the terror organisation. They killed his father and had also kidnapped and attacked him for a relationship he had with a woman.

Last Wednesday the young man was part of a group of migrants who had to leave their home for the safety of a community centre after his house was included on a list of properties circulated online as part of a “hit list”. While there he met with Rory Doherty of Voicing the Void with the pair speaking about the difficulties Zakaria had faced and how he hoped to find peace in Belfast a few days later.

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Rory said: “Zakaria told me how he was feeling and about everything that had happened over the previous few days. He wanted people to understand the human impact of what is happening. He wanted people to see beyond the headlines.

“He told me how he fled Somalia after being targeted by Al-Shabaab. His father was killed by the same terrorist organisation. He was kidnapped, beaten and threatened because of a relationship with the woman he loved. His mother sold everything she owned to help him escape.

“In January this year, he arrived in Belfast hoping to find safety and peace. Yet only a few months later, he found himself leaving his home once again because he feared for his safety.

“What struck me most was not his anger. It was his compassion. He told me he doesn’t want to generalise the people here based on a small number of people and that he came here to contribute to Northern Ireland, work, pay tax and be part of the community in any way that he can.

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“This week, while a small minority attempted to spread fear and division, I witnessed something far more powerful. I witnessed neighbours helping neighbours.

I witnessed people from different backgrounds, organisations and communities working together to protect one another. I witnessed volunteers making food, sharing tea and coffee, coordinating safety, offering reassurance and reminding people that they were not alone.

“There is no denying that many people feel left behind. Too many communities continue to experience poverty, inequality, poor housing, limited opportunities and a sense that nobody is listening. These frustrations are real and deserve to be heard.

“But violence and intimidation are not the answer.”

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For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here

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Major improvements needed at Welsh A&E department, says watchdog

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Wales Online

Concerns were reported after the inspection about leadership, governance and risk management within the emergency department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd

A Welsh emergency department has been told by inspectors that significant improvements are needed after issues with leadership, overcrowding, and the safety and experience of patients waiting for care. An unannounced inspection of at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, in Denbighshire, took place in May 2026.

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As a result of of the inspection, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) designated the Emergency Department as a service requiring significant improvement (SRSI).

HIW is the independent regulator of healthcare and the inspectorate for NHS services in Wales. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

Concerns were reported after the inspection about leadership, governance and risk management within the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

The department was previously subject to SRSI arrangements between May 2022 and August 2024. This latest designation indicates that the improvements made during that period have not been sustained.

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However, the regulator says patients who need urgent or emergency care should continue to attend the department.

They say improvements are needed to support consistently safe and well‑managed care, underpinned by effective leadership and oversight.

HIW say clear and urgent improvement, supported by stronger oversight, with enhanced monitoring and follow‑up to track progress is needed.

The regulator says that while they know there is significant demand on the service, the decision is based on whether systems, accountability and oversight are sufficiently robust to manage those pressures safely and reduce the risk of variation in care.

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The regulator is now working with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and says that will continue until it is satisfied that the necessary improvements have been made.

The full inspection report, setting out detailed findings, will be published in September 2026.

Chief executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, Alun Jones, said: “We have designated the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd as a Service Requiring Significant Improvement following concerns about leadership, governance and the management of risk.

“This designation means we expect clear and urgent improvement, supported by stronger oversight and accountability.

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“While we recognise the pressures facing emergency departments, services must have effective arrangements in place to manage those pressures safely. We will continue to monitor progress closely and will report our full findings in September.”

The health board’s chief executive Carol Shillabeer said: “Following an unannounced inspection by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales in May 2026, the Emergency Department at Glan Clwyd Hospital will be designated as a Service Requiring Significant Improvement. The decision reflects serious concerns and we fully accept the findings.

“The issues relate to leadership and culture, patient safety, overcrowding and the safety and experience of patients waiting for care. We are sorry that, in some areas, the standard of care has not been where it needs to be for our patients.

“We know this will be concerning for the people we serve and for our staff, who are working under sustained pressure, and we want to reassure them that immediate action is underway.

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“We have a clear understanding of the issues identified and a strengthened improvement plan is already being implemented with pace and strong oversight. This includes reducing overcrowding, strengthening patient safety, improving leadership and oversight within the department, and ensuring patients receive safe care from the point they arrive, including while they are waiting to be seen.

“Next week, the board will also consider plans to strengthen staffing in our emergency departments across North Wales. This represents another key step in delivering safe, timely and sustainable improvements in urgent and emergency care, complementing ongoing joint efforts with partners to address the structural issues of constrained patient flow and capacity, which are often the root cause of long waiting times, delayed ambulance handovers, and overcrowding within our emergency departments.

“These challenges cannot be addressed by the health board alone and we remain hugely grateful to our colleagues in local authorities and partner organisations for working with us to deliver the required improvements.

“We welcome the scrutiny from HIW and will continue to report openly on the progress we make. Our focus is on delivering safe, timely and high-quality care for the people of north Wales”.

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Archbishop Holgate’s, York, awarded for young carers support

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Archbishop Holgate's, York, awarded for young carers support

Archbishop Holgate’s School in Hull Road has been presented with the Young Carers in Schools award for the way it champions and supports young people with their education while they are also juggling caring responsibilities.

The accolade is part of the Young Carers in School programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust.

Archbishop Holgate's CE School (Image: Newsquest)Archbishop Holgate’s, York, awarded for young carers support.

The recognition follows recent praise in the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection which recognised its high aspirations, ambitious curriculum and inclusive ethos.


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The programme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.

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Archbishop Holgate’s Young Carers Lead, Samantha Stead, said: “Receiving the Young Carers in Schools Award is a momentous milestone for us.

“Young carers often face invisible barriers to their education, balancing homework and exams with the emotional and physical demands of supporting a loved one. Our goal has always been to ensure that no young person has to choose between their education and their family.”

Archbishop Holgate’s School won the award by demonstrating how it supports young carers. This includes dedicated homework clubs and accessible drop-in sessions.

By working in close partnership with the York Carers Centre, the school actively gathers the insights and voices of identified young carers to directly shape and improve its in-school support systems.

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The school also prioritises staff development, equipping them with the tools to recognise early signs of young carers and ensuring every student receives the timely, targeted support they deserve.

Headteacher, Lucie Pond, said: “Our young carers show remarkable resilience, compassion and maturity every day. This recognition celebrates not only the work of our staff, but the incredible young people we are privileged to support.”

Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can’t manage without their support.

Nathaniel in Year 10 said: “As a young carer, school supports me by being more flexible with homework, offering more support whenever I need it, and generally supporting me and other young carers with general life.

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“We also have monthly drop-ins where we can socialise with other young carers getting to know more people like us.”

Research from the Carers Trust found that 40 per cent of young carers do not feel they receive enough support to balance education and caring responsibilities. Separate research by The Children’s Society found young carers achieve, on average, one GCSE grade lower than their peers and often report lower levels of confidence and wellbeing.

Samantha Stead added “While we are incredibly proud of this recognition, our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to evolve our support systems so that every young carer at our school feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

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Man drank half bottle of vodka after work before ‘getting swept up in’ Newtownabbey riot, court hears

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Max Mrowca , 29, appeared in court today

A man drank half a bottle of vodka straight after finishing work before he “got swept up in” disorder in Newtownabbey where he was seen throwing bricks at police, a court heard.

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Max Mrowca , 29, from Newtownabbey appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 16, where he faced two charges in connection with disorder at Cloughfern Roundabout on Tuesday, June 9.

The court heard that Mrowca had handed himself into police after an image was released as part of police’s Operation Exposure to identify those involved in last week’s violent disorder.

He had reportedly been seen on CCTV over the course of 50 minutes, dressed in black with a scarf over his face throwing bricks and masonry at police.

Mrowca’s representation said his client was applying for bail as he had recently started a job as a customs compliance specialist at a business in East Belfast and would lose it if remanded in custody.

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He also said Mrowca deserved credit for handing himself over to officers, accepting he was in the image and apologising to police.

The court heard that Mrowca had an alcohol problem. On June 9, he drank half a bottle of vodka straight after finishing work and attended the roundabout after seeing social media posts about a gathering. He then got “swept up in” the disorder with the alcohol he had consumed playing a factor in this.

However, his bail was refused as he could pose a risk of harm to the general public and is due to appear in court again on July 9.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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