Cardiff riot accused breaks down in court over teen deaths

Key Points

• Ashdon O’Dare, 28, from Ely, Cardiff, accused of rioting after e-bike crash killed Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, on May 22, 2023.
• Crash in Ely sparked hours of violence and vandalism involving about 150 rioters.
• O’Dare described as “striking the match that lit the fuse” by prosecutor Matthew Cobbe.
• During trial at Newport Crown Court this week, O’Dare broke down in tears describing tragic scene.
• O’Dare said: “The scene I was looking at was just tragic so I was emotional at the time. There was a lot going. It was overwhelming.”
• Defence barrister Zoe Laugharne asked what O’Dare saw upon arriving; he replied: “I don’t want to tell you what I seen, I seen them laying there on the floor.”
• Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe previously questioned O’Dare’s behaviour, calling him “aggressively vocal and confrontational” and “one of the most prominent during the early stages.”
• Cobbe added: “He left early, but only after the bottles had started to be thrown – the riot had started. He was instrumental in striking the match that lit the fuse. Leaving before the riot had fully taken hold does not make him any less responsible for the part he played in this riot.”
• O’Dare explained his stepdad was godfather to Harvey Evans and he was close to both boys; he apologised for language used.
• Asked why he left scene, O’Dare said: “Because I wanted to go home and support my family.”
• O’Dare denied encouraging people, committing violence, urging throws at police, or throwing anything himself, replying “no” to each.
• Co-accused Michaela Gonzales, 37, from Ely, changed plea to guilty on rioting charge Monday morning; remanded on bail, sentencing on 8 June.
• O’Dare denies one charge of rioting; trial continues.

Ely (Cardiff Daily), February 05, 2026 – Ashdon O’Dare, 28, from Ely, wept in the dock at Newport Crown Court as he recounted the tragic scene following the e-bike crash that killed two teenagers and ignited riots in 2023. The defendant, accused of “striking the match” that sparked the violence, denied any role in encouraging the disorder that saw about 150 people turn out for hours of mayhem. His emotional testimony came amid a trial where prosecutors label him a key figure in the early stages of the unrest.​

Who is Ashdon O’Dare and what is he accused of?

Ashdon O’Dare, 28, from Ely in Cardiff, faces one charge of rioting linked to the violence that erupted after the deaths of Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15. Their e-bike crashed on May 22, 2023, in the Ely area, triggering widespread disorder. Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe described O’Dare as instrumental, stating he became “aggressively vocal and confrontational” and was “one of the most prominent during the early stages.”​

As reported in BBC coverage, Cobbe said: “He left early, but only after the bottles had started to be thrown – the riot had started. He was instrumental in striking the match that lit the fuse. Leaving before the riot had fully taken hold does not make him any less responsible for the part he played in this riot.” O’Dare previously responded to Cobbe’s questions by saying he was “stressed and emotional” but “didn’t want to hurt anybody”.​

O’Dare explained his personal ties, noting his stepdad was godfather to Harvey Evans and that he was close to both boys. He apologised for the language he used at the scene.

What happened on the night of the Ely riots?

The riots followed the fatal e-bike crash of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans on May 22, 2023, in Ely, Cardiff. About 150 people gathered, leading to hours of violence and vandalism. During his trial this week at Newport Crown Court, O’Dare described arriving at the scene.

Defence barrister Zoe Laugharne asked O’Dare what he saw. He broke down in tears, saying: “I don’t want to tell you what I seen, I seen them laying there on the floor.” He added: “The scene I was looking at was just tragic so I was emotional at the time. There was a lot going. It was overwhelming.”​

O’Dare said he decided to leave because “I wanted to go home and support my family.” Laugharne asked if he encouraged people around him, committed violence, encouraged violence, urged throwing items at police, or threw anything himself. He replied “no” to each instance.

How did the prosecutor challenge O’Dare’s account?

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe had previously questioned O’Dare about his behaviour at the scene. Cobbe highlighted O’Dare’s early prominence, noting he left only after bottles were thrown. As per BBC reporting, Cobbe emphasised O’Dare’s role in igniting the disorder despite his departure.​

O’Dare countered that he was overwhelmed by emotion due to the tragic sight and his connections to the boys. The prosecution maintains his actions fanned the flames of what became a full riot.

What is the status of co-accused Michaela Gonzales?

Michaela Gonzales, 37, from Ely, was also due to stand trial at Newport Crown Court on a rioting charge. She changed her plea to guilty on Monday morning and was remanded on bail. Sentencing is set for 8 June.​

Her case ran parallel to O’Dare’s trial, which continues.

Why did O’Dare leave the riot scene early?

O’Dare told the court he left to support his family at home. He denied any intent to incite violence. Prosecutor Cobbe argued this timing did not absolve him, as the riot had already begun with thrown bottles.​

His testimony painted a picture of personal distress rather than orchestration.

What happened in related Ely riot cases?

In connected coverage, a man who used sliders “as missile” in the Ely riot was sentenced, highlighting ongoing legal repercussions from the 2023 unrest. BBC noted this separate sentencing amid the broader violence.​

O’Dare’s trial forms part of accountability efforts for the night’s carnage.

When and where is the trial taking place?

The trial is at Newport Crown Court this week, with O’Dare denying the rioting charge. Proceedings continue following his emotional testimony. Co-accused Gonzales awaits sentencing on 8 June.​

Background to the Ely e-bike crash deaths?

Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died after their e-bike crashed in Ely on May 22, 2023. The incident sparked immediate community outrage, drawing crowds that escalated into rioting. O’Dare’s closeness to the boys underscores the personal stakes.