Court Proceedings Reveal Further Sentences in Ely Riots Case
Emotional scenes unfolded in court Thursday as six additional individuals received sentences for their involvement in widespread riots that erupted in Cardiff. The unrest followed the tragic deaths of two teenagers, 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan and 15-year-old Harvey Evans, in May 2023. Their e-bike crash in Ely triggered hours of public disorder, vandalism, and confrontations involving approximately 150 people.
Tears and audible gasps marked the second day of sentencing hearings. Presiding Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke addressed members of the public gallery, urging them to maintain silence and to leave if they felt unable to control their emotions.
Sentences for Riot Charges
All six defendants appearing on Thursday morning were convicted of rioting. Zayne Farrugia, 26, from Caerau, drew gasps from the public when he was handed a six-year prison sentence. Court proceedings detailed that Farrugia was among the first to gather stones from a garden and subsequently threw multiple projectiles at police officers during the confrontation.
Jordan Webster, 30, of Ely, received a sentence of five years and seven months. He was observed throwing stones at police and pushed a shopping trolley, which had been filled with debris by others, towards officers.
During the hearing, it was stated that Webster, upon seeing a black Audi positioned to obstruct police, remarked, “Run them all over.”
Further Details of Involvement
Jamie Jones, 25, from Llanrumney, reportedly arrived at the scene later but was seen joining others in collecting items from a garden to hurl at law enforcement. Jones, sentenced to five years and two months, threw three projectiles in rapid succession before retrieving a food waste bin to throw at officers.
Jayden Westcott, 21, of Ely, was also sentenced to five years and two months. Arrest records indicate Westcott stated, “A fed [police officer] is dying tonight.” He was seen throwing missiles at police, filming officers, and directing verbal abuse towards them. Additionally, he is reported to have encouraged the crowd to join him as he pushed a shopping trolley filled with rubble towards the police line.
Community Sentences Issued
Lianna Tucker, 20, from Ely, became visibly distressed in court, ultimately avoiding immediate incarceration. She was embraced by a tearful member of the public gallery after being issued a 24-month community order, which includes participation in 25 days of rehabilitation activities. Tucker, who was 17 at the time of the offense, was positioned at the forefront of the crowd, throwing projectiles, including broken plasterboard, at officers. She remained at the scene until midnight. In her statement, she claimed she had been informed that “police had killed the boys” and attributed her actions to anger over their deaths.
Jumana Fouad, 19, from Ely, also received a 24-month community order with a requirement for 15 days of rehabilitation. Fouad, who was 16 when the events occurred, threw several rocks, one of which struck a police officer’s shield. She was also observed adding liquid to a burning mattress. Reports indicate she celebrated when an injured officer required assistance.
Timeline of Escalation
Footage previously presented to the jury during earlier trials was replayed in court, illustrating the escalation of tensions. Initial bodycam footage captured individuals appearing upset and bewildered in the immediate aftermath of the crash. However, the spread of rumors suggesting police pursuit of the teenagers preceded the incident.
By 19:55, a masked individual reportedly threw a bottle at officers. By 20:30, law enforcement adopted a defensive posture, raising batons and advancing to disperse the crowd, a moment described as a clear turning point.
The subsequent hours saw significant rioting, with participants using various items as projectiles, including a burning mattress, a toilet, tiles, paint tins, bricks, and bottles. Insults directed at officers, such as “I hope your kids die,” were also heard.
Sentencing for the Ely riots is ongoing, with a total of 30 individuals scheduled to appear in court over the coming days.
