The Ely riots trial is making headlines! Newport Crown Court has been the scene of intense legal drama as seven men stand accused of sparking violence in Cardiff’s Ely suburb. Tensions erupted following the tragic deaths of two teenagers in an e-bike incident back in May 2023, turning the area into a hotspot of unrest.
In a gripping conclusion to the trial, the prosecutor presented a compelling case, urging the jury to convict these men of rioting. Their alleged actions included stone-throwing and live-streaming the chaos with inflammatory remarks about police. If found guilty, these men could face up to 10 years behind bars under the Public Order Act 1986.
The seven defendants, aged between 21 and 38, have denied all charges, insisting they did nothing wrong. The jury has been presented evidence of violent conduct meant to instil fear, making for a tense courtroom showdown.
Throughout this trial, edgy moments have unfolded: a police officer was engulfed in flames, while another recalled the terrifying threat from the crowd. Transcripts revealed one defendant labelled himself “a d***” during a police interview, while another claimed he lied about being a crash victim’s brother.
Stay tuned for more developments as we await the verdict in this high-profile case that has captured attention far and wide. Will these men be held accountable for the Ely riots, or will they walk free? Keep your eyes here for the final outcome!