Ely riot accused 'is kind and caring', court told

THE judge presiding over the trial of seven men accused of rioting in Ely, Cardiff, during the ugly scenes that gripped the area in May 2023, reminded the jury of the character witnesses for the defendants before they retired to consider their verdicts.

- JONATHON HILL Reporter [e-mail]

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke addressed the 12 jurors before they were sent out to deliberate, telling them that they should strive to reach verdicts on which they were all agreed.

The defendants in the trial, which is the first to take place in connection with the trouble, include seven men aged between 21 and 38.

Lee Robinson, 38, of Heol Deva, Caerau; Luke Williams, 31, of Deere Place, Ely; Jaydan Baston, 21, of Heol Poyston, Caerau; McKenzie Danks, 22, of Heol Trelai, Caerau; Jordan Bratcher, 27, of Glyndwr Road, Ely; Zayne Farrugia, 25, of Heol Ebwy, Caerau; and Connor 0’Sullivan, 26, of Caerau Court Road, Caerau, have all pleaded not guilty to rioting.

Yesterday, the jury heard from the barrister for Luke Williams who livestreamed the riot and was insulting towards the police during his broadcast.