Ely riots sentencing live: Rioter cheered as petrol bomb was hurled at police officer

The second day of the sentencing hearing of 30 people involved in the Ely riots is due to begin. The violence began following the deaths of two teenage boys in an electric bike collision on May 22, 2023.

Around 150 people attended the riot which saw hours of violence and vandalism take place on the streets on and near Wilson Road in the west Cardiff suburb.

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were killed while riding an electric bike through the streets in the area. The two young boys were involved in a fatal collision and were later pronounced dead at the scene. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

The mothers of the two teenagers attempted to run to their children, grief-stricken and in desperation, but their path was blocked by the police.

Moments after the collision large crowds consisting of members of the close-knit community of Ely came out to witness the horror as it unfolded.

Shock and sadness quickly turned to distress and anger at how the police were handling the scene and as rumours circulated that the police were responsible for the death of Kyrees and Harvey who had previously been pursued by a police van.

During the first day of the sentencing hearing on Monday, the court heard statements from police officers about the day of the riot. Matthew Cobbe, prosecuting, read out the details of injuries suffered by police officers, including one who was set alight.

Whilst Mr Cobbe was reading out the statements of police officers, one of the defendants, Ryan Knight, shouted from the dock: “What about Harvey and Kyrees? I haven’t heard their names once.”

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke ordered him to be taken to a cell.

The court also heard about the involvement of Michaela Gonzales, 37, in the rioting. The court was told that the defendant threw a bottle at police before hiding behind a car.

Today, defendants Lee Robinson, Callum O’Sullivan, Asdon O’Dare and Kyle Telemaque are due to be sentenced this morning, and Harvey James, Jasmine Smith and Tyler Stapleton are due to be sentenced this afternoon.

See all the key updates from the day in court below and sign up to get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here: