Overview
- Two teenagers, Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died after an e-bike crash on Snowden Road on 22 May 2023 that sparked a large crowd and rapid escalation into hours of violent disorder.
- Over 17–19 June 2026 Cardiff Crown Court finished a concentrated sentencing hearing for 30 defendants, with many given multi-year prison terms, several youths sent to young offenders institutes, and others handed community orders.
- Judges described rioters throwing a wide range of missiles including bricks, doors, petrol bombs, paint and microwaves, and said 31 police officers and one civilian were injured during the unrest.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct found no sign of contact between a police vehicle and the boys’ e-bike, passed material to the CPS which chose not to prosecute for dangerous driving, and identified at least one officer with a case to answer for gross misconduct.
- Local damage and disruption included burned cars and blocked emergency access, the police recorded costs above £1 million, and the sentences are likely to shape community trust and further scrutiny of policing procedures in Ely.