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Seven additional individuals involved in the Cardiff riots three years ago have received sentences for their roles in the violent unrest, which included the making and use of petrol bombs. The disturbances took place in May 2023 after the tragic deaths of two teenagers, Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, following an e-bike crash in the Ely area. The incident sparked outrage, with some residents blaming the police, whose van had been seen following the teenagers earlier that evening, for the fatalities.
Approximately 150 people gathered in Ely shortly after the crash, leading to a night marked by violence and vandalism. As of Friday, a total of 27 individuals have been sentenced in relation to the disorder. Earlier this week, heightened emotions in the courtroom’s public gallery resulted in the judge clearing the area to restore order. During Friday’s session at Cardiff Crown Court, several attendees wore turquoise t-shirts bearing images of Sullivan and Evans, along with the phrase, “three years of missing you both.”
All seven defendants sentenced on Friday were convicted of rioting. Among them, Lee-Martin McQuade received a six years and four months prison term. Court proceedings revealed he was involved in crafting petrol bombs; one such device was thrown at officers, resulting in a police officer being set on fire. The 30-year-old from Ely openly insulted police, accusing them of killing the two teenagers and urged the community to attack the Ely police station using petrol bombs. Judge Tracey-Lloyd Clarke mentioned to the court that McQuade could have faced up to eight years in prison but his sentence was reduced due to an early guilty plea.
Other individuals received varying sentences based on their actions during the riot. Liam Black, aged 21, was sentenced to six years and nine months in a young offenders’ institution after throwing fireworks at police and encouraging others to attack officers. Connor O’Sullivan, 27, received a five-year sentence for throwing bricks and a door at police, as well as inciting others via live-streaming and chanting. Callum O’Sullivan was sentenced to three years and nine months for repeatedly throwing missiles at police, with video evidence found on his phone. Gemma Virgin, 45, was given a three years and eight months sentence for throwing missiles, verbally abusing officers, and approaching one with a large piece of wood. She later expressed regret, stating she had “jumped on the bandwagon.” Malaki McQuade, 19, received six years in a young offenders’ institution for throwing objects, helping to flip a car, and other offenses including unlawful wounding and drug charges, which increased his overall sentence. All three of these individuals were informed they would serve a portion of their sentences before being eligible for release—up to half for some and 40% for others.
Police presence has remained strong both within and around the courtroom during the sentencing hearings. The court expects to continue with the sentencing of the remaining individuals involved in the riots later this afternoon
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