The trial of Ashdon O’Dare, accused of sparking the Ely riots, is unfolding at Newport Crown Court. O’Dare, reportedly caught on camera being confrontational with the police and encouraging the crowd, denies the charges of rioting that erupted after the tragic deaths of two teenagers in a crash. The prosecution claims O’Dare’s fiery words and actions “lit the fuse” to the chaos that night, leading to dozens gathering for violent protests. They argue he played a significant role, claiming his behaviour included shouting provocative insults at officers and urging the community to resist the police efforts. Despite this, the defence maintains that there’s no evidence of O’Dare using violence or urging others to physically attack. Instead, they suggest he was mostly talking to onlookers and his actions have been misrepresented. Co-defendant Michaela Gonzales has pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing. As the trial continues, it’s a tense moment for Ely as the community waits to see if O’Dare will be held responsible for his alleged role in the unrest. Stay tuned for more updates!
