Following the tragic deaths of two young boys, eight individuals have been handed sentences for their involvement in the subsequent rioting. Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and his close friend Harvey Evans, 15, lost their lives in a fatal e-bike crash that occurred in Ely, Cardiff, on 22 May 2023. The turmoil that ensued after the incident lasted well into the early morning hours, resulting in 31 injured police officers, property destruction, and vehicles being set ablaze. Over 40 people have been charged in connection with the chaos that unfolded.
In a court hearing in Cardiff, the group of teenagers were each given a 12-month referral order, a form of community sentence commonly used in youth courts. The court was shown footage depicting the hurling of projectiles such as rocks, bricks, fireworks, and petrol bombs at law enforcement, alongside several cars being ignited. The youngest among the defendants was 14 during the riots but has since turned 16. Four individuals have now reached the age of 18, while the remaining three are 17 years old. All of them had previously pleaded guilty to their involvement in the incidents that transpired between October and January.
District Judge Stephen Harmes acknowledged the gravity of the situation, labeling it as one of the most severe riots in the history of south Wales. He highlighted that the emotional distress experienced by the defendants may have led them astray, as they were caught up in the heat of the moment, failing to process their grief appropriately. Judge Harmes mentioned that the intense emotions were fueled by trauma circulating on social media, with the police being unfairly targeted. He urged the young individuals to seize the opportunity to reform, urging them to strive for the best in memory of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. The judge warned that failing to comply would result in no second chances being given
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