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Ten additional individuals have been handed sentences for their involvement in the riot that erupted in Cardiff following the tragic deaths of two teenagers. The fatal crash of 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan and 15-year-old Harvey Evans, which took place in May 2023 in Ely, sparked violent unrest. Approximately 150 people gathered during several hours of destructive behavior, including vandalism and attacks on police.
During Thursday’s court session at Cardiff Crown Court, emotions ran high as the second group of defendants were brought before the judge. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke requested silence from those present and urged anyone unable to maintain composure to leave the courtroom. The hearing witnessed audible gasps in the public gallery upon the sentencing of Zayne Farrugia, 26, from Caerau, who received a six-year prison term. Farrugia was identified as one of the first to pick up stones from a garden and was seen throwing multiple missiles at police officers.
Several others received lengthy prison terms for their roles in the disorder. Jordan Webster, 30, from Ely, was given five years and seven months for throwing stones and pushing a debris-filled shopping trolley into the street to block and attack police, even urging others to “Run them all over.” Jamie Bateman, 27, from Caerau, was sentenced to five years and nine months; he was involved in throwing projectiles and dismantling a large paving slab for others to hurl at officers. Sentences ranging from just over four to over five years were also handed down to Liam Williams, Jamie Jones, Jayden Westcott, and James Chappell, all of whom actively participated in violent acts such as throwing missiles and verbally threatening police during the riot.
Not all defendants were sentenced to custody. Lianna Tucker, 20, from Ely, was given a 24-month community order with 25 days of rehabilitation, having been seen throwing missiles and remaining at the scene until midnight. Jasmine Smith, 21, from Heath, also received a community order after throwing projectiles and confronting officers with aggressive remarks; Smith is noted as the sole carer of a young baby. Another defendant, Jumana Fouad, 19, from Ely, was handed a 24-month community order with a requirement to complete rehabilitation activities, despite being responsible for actions including throwing rocks and adding fuel to a burning mattress during the unrest.
Court proceedings revisited police bodycam footage previously shown at trials, which captured the escalating tension at the crash site. Initial scenes depicted people visibly distressed following the accident, but rumours quickly spread that police had been pursuing the teenagers beforehand. This misinformation contributed to the surge in violence. By 20:30, police adopted a “show of strength” tactic involving raised batons and attempts to disperse the crowd, which marked a significant escalation. The hours that followed featured some of the most severe rioting Cardiff has seen in decades, with rioters throwing various objects such as burning mattresses, bricks, tiles
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