A 53-year-old woman pleaded guilty to charges of causing £5,000 worth of damage to a police vehicle during the Ely riots that took place in May 2023. Janine Reffell, a resident of Ely, admitted to damaging the rear window of a South Wales Police vehicle on a street adjacent to the main disturbance. The incident occurred during a hearing at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 20. Reffell’s sentencing is scheduled for November 26, 2024, at the same court.
Although she was one of 31 individuals charged in connection with the Ely riots which erupted after the tragic deaths of two boys, 15-year-old Harvey Evans and 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan, in May 2023, Reffell was not charged with rioting. Prosecutor Alex Orndal provided a summary of the events, stating that following a road traffic collision involving the two teenagers, unrest and hostility towards the police escalated due to rumours surrounding the circumstances of the collision. This led to a cordon being established in Stanway Road and surrounding areas.
The aftermath of the riots has seen multiple individuals facing legal consequences. Reffell’s guilty plea highlights the ongoing legal proceedings following the turbulent events that unfolded in Ely. The court is actively addressing the charges and determining appropriate repercussions for those involved in the public disorder incidents. Join us for further developments on this case and other breaking news by subscribing to our WhatsApp news community for real-time updates.