Court Imposes Significant Sentences for Ely Rioters
Cardiff Crown Court has concluded the sentencing phase for those involved in the widespread violence that occurred in Ely in May 2023. A total of 30 individuals have received sentences, with 26 facing custodial terms, amounting to nearly 140 years in combined custody. Four individuals, who were minors at the time of the events, were given community orders.
The disturbances were triggered by the deaths of 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan and 15-year-old Harvey Evans, who tragically died in an e-bike crash. Public anger escalated after a police van was observed driving behind the teenagers shortly before the collision, leading some to attribute blame to the police.
Details of the Violence and Key Sentences
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that approximately 150 people gathered in Ely, contributing to a night of widespread vandalism and aggression. Testimony included an account of one defendant assisting in the preparation of petrol bombs, one of which was subsequently thrown at officers, setting a female police officer on fire.
- Lee-Martin McQuade, 30, from Ely: Sentenced to six years and four months in jail. He was implicated in preparing petrol bombs, one of which ignited a police officer. McQuade also verbally abused police, accusing them of responsibility for the teenagers' deaths and encouraging attacks on the police station.
- Liam Black, 21, from Ely: Received six years and nine months in a young offenders' institution. He was found to have thrown fireworks at police, burned wood, and incited others to throw objects.
- Connor O'Sullivan, 27, from Ely: Sentenced to five years in jail for throwing projectiles, including a brick, and being part of a group that threw a door at police. He was also recorded on a live stream encouraging further disorder.
- Callum O'Sullivan, 25, from Ely: Sentenced to three years and nine months for repeatedly throwing missiles at police, with video evidence of the disorder found on his phone.
- Gemma Virgin, 45, from Ely: Received three years and eight months for throwing multiple missiles, approaching an officer with a large piece of wood, and verbal abuse. She later expressed remorse, stating she had 'jumped on the bandwagon'.
- Malaki McQuade, 19, from Ely: Sentenced to six years in a young offenders' institution for throwing missiles, participating in overturning a car, unlawful wounding, and drug charges.
- Matthew Evans, 22, from Ely: Sentenced to six years and four months for setting a bed base on fire, smashing a car window, using an aerosol as a flamethrower on a car, and throwing missiles.
- Cameron Carter, 20, from Ely: Received five years and three months in a young offenders' institution for throwing various objects, including a door, monitor, baby chair, and metal drain cover, at officers, and participating in overturning a car. Despite being 17 at the time, the judge deemed his role 'leading'.
- Kyle Telemaque, 20, from Ely: Sentenced to five years in youth detention for his 'leading role' in the riot, involving throwing missiles, setting fire to a bed base, and tipping a car. He was also 17 at the time.
- Ryan Knight, 21, from Splott: Sentenced to five years and four months for a 'leading role' in throwing burning missiles and other objects at police.
Courtroom Tensions and Police Commendation
Throughout the sentencing hearings, tensions in the public gallery were evident, leading to outbursts and the judge ordering the area to be cleared on multiple occasions. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke praised the hundreds of police officers who responded to the riots, acknowledging their bravery and dedication in a highly dangerous and volatile environment.
Nathan Fear, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wales, described the investigation as the largest of its kind in Wales. He highlighted the extensive use of evidence from body-worn cameras, social media, and drones, which aided in identifying defendants and understanding their culpability. Fear emphasized that the sentences reflect the gravity of the offenses and send a clear message that such violence will not be tolerated.
Ongoing Investigations Related to Teenagers' Deaths
A full inquest into the deaths of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans has not yet taken place and is not expected to commence this year. Furthermore, a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) not to charge the police officer driving the van behind the teenagers is currently under review as part of the Victims Right to Review scheme. The South Wales Police officer involved also faces a gross misconduct hearing concerning the accuracy of accounts provided to colleagues and disciplinary action regarding his driving and language used at the collision scene.
Source: Police officer was set on fire during Ely riots, court told