Cardiff Riots: Thirty Receive Nearly 140 Years Total for 2023 Violence

A judge has sentenced thirty individuals to a collective nearly 140 years in custody for their roles in the widespread vandalism and violence that erupted in Cardiff three years ago.

The May 2023 riots were precipitated by the deaths of 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan and 15-year-old Harvey Evans, whose e-bike crashed in Ely. Approximately 150 people gathered, with some attributing blame for the teenagers' deaths to police, whose van had been observed driving behind the pair shortly before the collision.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that one of the thirty defendants had participated in preparing petrol bombs, one of which was subsequently thrown at officers, igniting a female officer.

Custodial Sentences for Most Defendants

Of the thirty sentenced for rioting, twenty-six received custodial terms ranging from three years and eight months to six years and nine months. Four defendants, who were under eighteen at the time of the events, were given community orders.

Proceedings were marked by disruption in the public gallery, necessitating its clearance by the judge. Following the sentencing of the final twelve defendants on Friday, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke commended the police officers who responded, noting their courage in a "very dangerous and very volatile situation."

Among those sentenced, Lee-Martin McQuade, 30, from Ely, received six years and four months for his involvement in preparing petrol bombs and encouraging attacks on police. Liam Black, 21, also from Ely, was sentenced to six years and nine months for throwing fireworks and inciting others. Connor O'Sullivan, 27, from Ely, received five years for throwing missiles including a brick.

Further sentences included Callum O'Sullivan, 25, receiving three years and nine months; Gemma Virgin, 45, three years and eight months; and Malaki McQuade, 19, six years in a young offenders' institution. Matthew Evans, 22, received six years and four months, while Cameron Carter, 20, and Kyle Telemaque, 20, both received five years and three months and five years respectively in youth detention for their "leading roles." Ryan Knight, 21, was sentenced to five years and four months.

Nathan Fear, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS Wales, described the investigation as the largest of its kind in Wales, utilising body-worn camera footage, social media, and drones for identification. He stated, "These sentences reflect the seriousness of this offending and send a clear message that this type of violence will not be tolerated."

A full inquest into the deaths of Sullivan and Evans is yet to occur. The decision by the 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. That South Wales Police officer faces a gross misconduct hearing concerning the accuracy of his accounts and disciplinary action regarding his driving and language at the collision scene.