Live court updates as trial of eight accused of taking part in Ely riots continues

The trial of eight defendants accused of taking part in the Ely riots continues on Monday morning. 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.

At the end of last week Zayne Farrugia began gave evidence. He said he had known Kyrees and Harvey since they were babies and had been shocked to learn about the crash in which they died. Don’t miss a court report by signing upto our crime newsletter here

We are the only news organisation covering each day of the trial in full.

Police officer was engulfed in flames during Ely riots. See our report on the opening of the prosecution case here.

Police wouldn't let mothers of boys who died go to them. Second day of the trial here.

Jury view footage of events after the death of two teenagers. Third day of the trial here.

Man livestreamed riots and called for police to be euthanised. The court heard alleged rioter Luke Williams streamed the riots live on Facebook .

Police dog handler describes 'threat' posed by crowd. Police officers on the front line relived the scenes they faced on the fifth day of the trial .

Police officers feared they would be killed. PC David Morgan told the court rioters used a flame-thower.

Alleged rioter admitted 'I was a d***'