First people charged over riot sparked by Ely e-bike crash deaths

The first people charged with rioting after the deaths of two teenagers in an e-bike crash last year have appeared in court.

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died on the evening of May 22 2023 when they crashed on an e-bike minutes after CCTV captured them being followed by a South Wales Police van in Ely, Cardiff.

Tensions between local people and police at the scene led to a riot lasting several hours, during which time dozens of officers were injured, property was damaged and cars were set alight.

Lianna Tucker, 18, from Ely, was the first person to appear before Cardiff Magistrate's Court on Thursday, charged with riot.

Tucker's case, along with everyone else's who appeared before the court charged with riot was sent to Cardiff Crown Court.

In total, 18 people were due to appear before the court on Thursday, with more due to appear on Friday.

Those appearing on Thursday morning were: Michalea Gonzales, 26, from Ely; Jaydan Baston, 20, from Caerau; Harvey James, 18, from Fairwater; Jumana Fouad, 18, from Ely; Jordan Webster, 28, from Ely; Kieron Beccano, 25, from St Fagans; Luke Williams, 30, from Ely; Jayden Westcott 20, from Ely; Zayne Farrugia, 24, from Caerau; and Kyle Telemaque, 18, from Ely.

District Judge Stephen Harmes said: "I send you to crown court on October 21. You have to appear in the crown court at 9am.

"If you fail to attend there will be a warrant for your arrest.

"You turned up today so there's no reason you shouldn't turn up then."

All were released on unconditional bail.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said 31 people had been charged with offences - 27 with riot and four accused of causing or threatening to cause criminal damage.

Eight of those charged are aged between 15 and 17.

Announcing the charges, Jenny Hopkins, the CPS chief crown prosecutor for Wales, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these individuals are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.