A “restless and agitated” crowd began to throw missiles including petrol bombs at police during a riot following the death of two teenagers, a court heard. Cars were burnt out and flipped over during the incident, which led to 32 police officers being injured. A total of 31 people have been charged with offences in relation to riots in Ely, Cardiff, following the death of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, on March 22 last year.
The boy’s death sparked hours of violence and vandalism as footage emerged of a police van following the teenagers moments before a collision. A set of hearings at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court saw 17 defendants appearing for their first court appearances on Thursday. All 17 spoke to confirm their ages and addresses, and their cases were sent to Cardiff Crown Court, for their first hearings to take place on October 21.
During the hearing, prosecutor Alex Orndal gave a brief summary of the prosecution’s case against the defendants. He stated, “Shortly after 6pm on May 22 last year, South Wales Police received a report of a road traffic collision in Snowdon Road. Two teenagers Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans were involved in that collision and tragically passed away at the scene. Whilst police officers were present dealing with the road traffic collision and protecting the scene, members of the public were described as getting restless and agitated. Some showed hostility to the police due to rumours police had been pursuing Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans at the time of the collision. A cordon was moved up to Stanway Road and adjoining roads.”
“Shortly before 8pm, a glass bottle was thrown from somewhere in the crowd which had steadily grown to 200 people. From that point, the situation continued to deteriorate to what the Crown say was a riot made up of considerable disorder. Countless missiles were thrown at officers consisting of anything those individuals involved could get their hands on including rocks, bed frames, fireworks and petrol bombs. One officer had been hit by a petrol bomb but fortunately due to protective equipment they sustained no lasting injuries.”
“Vehicles in the street were also damaged, burnt out and one was flipped onto its roof. Fires were set in the street and burning items were removed and thrown towards officers. This continued to the early hours of May 23 with the crow eventually dissipating at 2.30am. The riot resulted in injuries to one member of the public and 32 officers, as well as damage caused.”
Of the 31 defendants charged, 27 are charged with rioting, three with threatening to cause criminal damage, and one with criminal damage. Mr. Orndal concluded, “The Crown’s case is each of the defendants participated in that riot in some way, whether to a greater or lesser extent. The precise actions of each defendant will be a matter for the trial in due course.”
A further 14 defendants are due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Friday, including eight youth defendants, for their first appearances.
(Source: Wales Online)