Three men have admitted their roles in the Ely riots that erupted following the tragic deaths of two teenage boys in an e-bike crash. Tyler Stapleton, 25, McKenzie Pring, 21, and James Chappell, 30, all confessed to participating in the chaos that unfolded on 22nd May 2023, after 16-year-old Kyrees Sullivan and 15-year-old Harvey Evans died in the heart of Cardiff’s Ely suburb.
The incident, which saw around 150 people engaged in violence and damage, resulted in 42 individuals facing charges. Friday’s court session marked a turning point for Stapleton, Pring, and Chappell as they changed their pleas to guilty.
In earlier proceedings at Newport Crown Court, six others were found guilty, while McKenzie Danks, 22, was cleared of rioting but had admitted to two counts of assaulting a police officer. Questions remain as the case continues, with another trial set for 2nd February 2026.
Moreover, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concluded that a South Wales Police officer should face a gross misconduct hearing related to the incident. Although their investigation found no direct contact between a police vehicle and the boys’ e-bike, issues concerning the officer’s driving standards and interaction at the scene have been highlighted. CCTV revealed a police van trailing the boys shortly before their accident, prompting further inquiry into police actions.
Our thoughts are with the families of Kyrees and Harvey. This story still resonates deeply within the community, as investigations continue to shed light on the events surrounding the heart-breaking collision. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing story.