Six Men Convicted of Ely Rioting Following 2023 Teen Deaths

Six men have been found guilty of rioting in Ely, Cardiff, following violent disturbances sparked by the deaths of two teenagers, Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, who died in an electric bike crash in May 2023. The defendants, including Lee Robinson, Zayne Farrugia, Jordan Bratcher, Jaydan Baston, Connor O'Sullivan, and Luke Williams, participated in attacks on police officers and property, which involved throwing bricks, bottles, fireworks, setting fires, overturning and torching cars, and even a petrol bomb attack on an officer. The unrest caused significant damage to local residents' homes, vehicles, and gardens, and several police officers were injured during the prolonged disorder. McKenzie Danks was acquitted of rioting but admitted to assaulting two police officers. The trial highlighted that while the community was grieving and distressed, the rioting represented a small but violent minority, with many residents frightened by the chaos. Sentencing for the convicted individuals is pending, as the judge considers the serious nature of the offenses and their impact on the community.