**Family Banned from Cardiff Crown Court after Outburst and Assaults during Hearing**
A family has been issued a ban from attending Cardiff Crown Court following a chaotic incident that saw both verbal abuse and physical assault during a sentencing hearing on Wednesday. The disruption reached a level of disorder that presiding Judge Mills said was unparalleled in his 15-year judicial career.
Eighteen-year-old McKenzie Ayres, who attended court as a supporter of the complainant’s family, found himself in a whirlwind of events resulting in his own appearance before the judge. He was accompanied in the dock by his grandfather, 79-year-old Brian Ayres, after both men were involved in a series of outbursts and aggressive behaviour.
The scheduled court session was meant to decide the fate of Nathan Cummings, from Ely, who faced charges including intentional strangulation, assault causing actual bodily harm, and theft. However, the hearing was overshadowed by repeated interruptions from several members of the complainant’s family, casting a shadow over the proceedings.
As the hearing moved towards an adjournment, courtroom tension rose. McKenzie Ayres, initially laughing and making light of the situation, was advised by Judge Mills to maintain silence. In response, Ayres retorted that he was only “breathing,” prompting the judge to demand his removal from the courtroom. This directive triggered a fiery reaction from the teen, who began to hurl expletives and became physically confrontational when approached by a court usher seeking to escort him from the room.
Ayres is reported to have shoved the court usher aside before storming toward the dock, issuing threats towards the defendant, Cummings. He allegedly shouted that Cummings was fortunate to be seated behind protective glass, implying there would otherwise be a physical confrontation.
The scene escalated further as other family members began shouting from the public gallery. It was at this juncture that Brian Ayres stood and loudly branded both the defendant and the judge with offensive terms – strong language that drew further rebuke and additional charges of contempt of court.
Court security quickly intervened, detaining those involved outside the courtroom. Judge Mills, determined to restore order, ended the original case temporarily to address the emerging disturbances. Both McKenzie and Brian Ayres were formally placed in the dock to face the consequences of their actions.
During the subsequent hearing, Judge Mills censured the two men for what he labelled “absolutely disgusting behaviour”, noting the impact of their outbursts on the dignity of the court and the safety of its staff. The judge made clear the seriousness of McKenzie Ayres’ assault on the usher and offered the opportunity for the pair to issue apologies to avoid further sanctions.
Despite being told not to speak, McKenzie protested his actions were “committed in a rage,” while Brian Ayres expressed regret for his language, citing frustration at repeated delays in the case. The judge acknowledged Brian’s apology but emphasised that proper conduct must be upheld in court at all times and that such disorder would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Ultimately, Judge Mills opted to release both men without custodial sentences, but made it clear they were banned from the court building unless required to appear as defendants in future proceedings. The judge’s closing comments underscored the expectation of respectful behaviour and served as a cautionary message to others.
The aftermath continued beyond the courtroom, as McKenzie Ayres reportedly reacted aggressively to a journalist attempting to discuss the morning’s events, extending the troubling conduct beyond the courthouse doors.
This rare episode has spotlighted the challenges faced by court officials in maintaining order and protecting staff and attendees, reiterating the need for decorum and respect within the judicial system. While justice must be administered impartially, such incidents highlight the emotional volatility that can arise in legal settings, and the ongoing responsibility of the courts to preserve safety and decorum amidst intense public scrutiny.