Michaela Gonzales, 37, from Ely, has admitted to being part of the violent riots that erupted after the tragic deaths of two teenagers in Cardiff. The riots were sparked when Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, were killed in a devastating e-bike collision on May 22, 2023, leading to mass unrest with missiles hurled at police. Gonzales was slated to stand trial but decided to plead guilty to the charge of rioting just as the trial was getting underway. She’s set to be sentenced on June 8.
Meanwhile, Ashdon O’Dare, 28, also from Ely, is continuing to contest his involvement and has pleaded not guilty. He will face the court in a separate trial.
This case has reverberated through the local community, with an investigation revealing that a police officer involved in the incident beforehand might have breached regulations concerning his conduct and driving. Though there was no direct contact between the police vehicle and the e-bike at the collision time, questions about the officer’s actions and adherence to protocol have arisen. The officer could face disciplinary action, pending a hearing into the matter.
The local community remains shaken by the loss of the young lives, and the ongoing legal proceedings will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion for some time. Keep an eye out for more updates on this evolving story.