**Three Men Admit Involvement in Ely Disturbances Following Fatal Collision**
Three men have pleaded guilty to participating in the notorious riot that erupted in the Ely area of Cardiff, an event that drew national attention after two teenage boys tragically lost their lives in a collision. The individuals—Callum O’Sullivan, Jayden Westcott, and Jordan Webster—entered their guilty pleas at Cardiff Crown Court this week. Their admission relates to the public disorder that followed the fatal crash of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, on 22 May 2023.
The deaths of the two boys sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked a night of unrest, as emotions ran high in the Cardiff suburb. The situation escalated rapidly, culminating in scenes of violence and property damage as approximately 150 people gathered. Law enforcement struggled to restore order, with missiles being hurled at officers as tensions reached boiling point.
The episode drew significant media attention, not least because of witness footage showing a South Wales Police van following the teenagers shortly before the accident. This prompted widespread speculation and heightened scrutiny regarding the events leading up to the fatal collision.
In the wake of these disturbances, a total of 42 people faced charges linked to their alleged involvement in the riot. While O’Sullivan, Westcott, and Webster have chosen to admit their roles, a number of others have denied the accusations and are scheduled to stand trial in the near future. The court heard that sentencing for those who have pleaded guilty will not occur until after the completion of trials for their co-defendants. All three men have been granted bail and are expected to return to court for sentencing on 22 December.
The investigation into the tragic incident and its aftermath has involved multiple agencies. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an inquiry, which led to a police van driver being placed under criminal investigation for dangerous driving, as well as receiving a gross misconduct notice. An accompanying officer in the vehicle was also issued with a misconduct notice.
Despite the intensive investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced in April 2024 that it would not pursue criminal charges against the South Wales Police officer involved. Malcolm McHaffie, who leads the special crime division at the CPS, acknowledged the heartbreak of the boys’ families and assured that the decision followed an exhaustive review of the evidence. He explained that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for dangerous driving.
McHaffie added that he understood the disappointment the families might feel and reiterated the offer of a meeting to clarify the rationale behind the CPS’s findings. Importantly, the decision not to prosecute the officer remains open to challenge under the Victim’s Right of Review scheme, giving families the option to seek a further review if they wish.
The events in Ely have continued to evoke strong reactions across Cardiff and beyond, reigniting debates on youth safety, police conduct, and community relations. Many in the area still recall the chaos of the riot and the deep impact felt by the community in the aftermath of the deaths.
As the legal proceedings continue, with several accused individuals yet to face trial, the spotlight remains firmly upon Cardiff Crown Court. The outcome will likely be watched keenly, both by those seeking justice for the families affected and by policymakers considering future strategies to prevent similar incidents. The community, meanwhile, awaits resolution with a mixture of hope for closure and concern for the ongoing divisions laid bare by this tragedy.