Cardiff Rioters Sentenced: Five Receive Custodial Terms, Judge Faces Abuse in Court
Five individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the violent disorder that gripped the Ely area of Cardiff in May 2023. The riots, which involved approximately 150 people, followed the deaths of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, after their e-bike collided.
Ashdon O'Dare, Lee Robinson, Michaela Gonzales, Jordan Bratcher, and Tyler Stapleton received sentences requiring them to serve up to 40% of their terms in custody, with the remainder in the community. During the proceedings, members of the public gallery caused disruption, shouting support and abuse, including an offensive gesture and verbal insult directed at Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, who subsequently requested two individuals be detained on suspicion of contempt of court.
Sentences and Roles
Ashdon O'Dare, 28, of Ely, received six years and six months, identified as an "instigator" who "whipped up" the crowd. Lee Robinson, 40, of Caerau, also received six years and six months for aggressive behaviour and repeatedly shouting abuse at police officers. Michaela Gonzales, 37, of Ely, was sentenced to five years and two months for being "vocal and confrontational" and throwing a bottle at police. Jordan Bratcher, 27, of Ely, received five years and six months for being part of the initial group throwing missiles. Tyler Stapleton, 26, of Ely, was sentenced to four years and four months for aggressive behaviour and throwing stones.
Court proceedings revisited footage from the two trials, detailing the escalating violence. Initial bewilderment after the crash gave way to unrest as rumours of a police chase circulated. A masked man threw a bottle at officers, leading to a "show of strength" police stance, involving raised batons, which witnesses said exacerbated the situation. Footage included a petrol bomb striking PC Zoe Lea, setting her uniform alight, and PC Ben Davies recounting his belief that officers could have been "overwhelmed and killed."
The policing operation cost South Wales Police in excess of £1 million, with Cardiff Council incurring £28,515 for the clean-up. Ten teenagers have previously received referral orders for their involvement. The sentencing of 30 individuals is ongoing.
