Ely riots trial day eight as evidence continues - live updates

The eighth day of the trial into eight defendants accused of taking part in the Ely riots takes place today. A court previously heard an alleged rioter told police he went to the scene of a collision before the Ely riots broke out after learning his friend's son had been killed.

The riots in the Cardiff suburb broke out on May 22, 2023, following the deaths of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, who were killed in a crash while riding an electric bike in Snowden Road.

Lee Robinson, 38, of Heol Deva, Caerau, Luke Williams, 31, of Deere Place, Ely, Jaydan Baston, 21, of Heol Poyston, Caerau, Michaela Gonzales, 37, of Plymouth Wood Close, Ely, McKenzie Danks, 22, of Heol Trelai, Caerau, Jordan Bratcher, 27, of Glyndwr Road, Ely, Zayne Farrugia, 25, of Heol Ebwy, Caerau, and Connor O'Sullivan, 26, of Caerau Court Road, Caerau, have pleaded not guilty to rioting.

A trial at Newport Crown Court on Monday heard transcripts from the police interview of Robinson following his arrest on May 31, 2023.

The defendant was asked why he attended the scene of the collision in Ely.

He said: “(I) Was told my mate’s son had passed away…

“Little Evo has passed away with Kyrees and I proceeded to be an arsehole and shouting at your officers…

“My partner said Evo had passed away because officers had been chasing him…

“I went over and had a look, that was off my own back.”

When asked who “Little Evo” was, Robinson said: “Harvey Evans I believe.”

The interviewing officer said: “What was your intention?”

Robinson said: “Go over and see what happened to Little Evo and see what the boys were saying…

“They said there had been a crash and Harvey and Kyrees had passed away….

“Just to turn up and see what everyone was saying like… I didn’t know it