Keiron Beccano, 37, has now admitted the charge of riot – which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years
Cars were set alight on the streets during the Ely riots as police faced off with protesters(Image: Getty Images)
Another man has now pleaded guilty to rioting in Ely which broke out following the death of two teenage boys killed in an e-bike crash. The riot in the Cardiff area involved more than 150 people as police and protesters clashed on the streets in ugly scenes.
Keiron Beccano, 37, has previously denied the charge of rioting but appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday to admit the offence just weeks before he was due to face trial.
Beccano, of Closs Y Cwrra, St Fagans, was remanded on bail to appear for sentencing on December 22.
At least 15 people have now pleaded guilty to charges of riot, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. At least five others have pleaded guilty to charges including assaulting a police officer, criminal damage, threatening criminal damage and violent disorder.
A number of defendants who pleaded not guilty to the charge of rioting are due to stand trial on September 22.
Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and 15-year-old Harvey Evans were killed on May 22, 2023, after their Sur-Ron e-bike crashed in the Cardiff suburb. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
Footage later emerged of a police van following the two teenagers shortly before the crash.
A total of 42 people have been charged in connection with their involvement in the riots and have appeared in various courts.
Previously, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the driver of the police van had been told they were being criminally investigated for dangerous driving after being served with a gross misconduct notice.
Another officer, a passenger in the police van, was also previously served with a gross misconduct notice.
In April, the Crown Prosecution Service said it would not bring criminal charges against the South Wales Police officer.
On August 28, the IOPC concluded a South Wales Police officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct in connection with its investigation, concerning the accuracy of accounts he provided to colleagues following the collision.
The investigation also concluded that a police van which had earlier been seen driving behind the teenagers was half a mile away from the e-bike, on a different road, when the fatal collision occurred.
A spokeswoman from the IOPC said: “We believe a police disciplinary panel could find there may be inconsistencies and evidential conflicts in the information given by the officer which potentially breach police standards of honesty and integrity.
“IOPC investigators also concluded the officer has a case to answer, at the level of misconduct, in relation to his driving and language he used in relation to the boys at the collision scene.
“We believe a panel could find that his driving at the time was outside his level of training and authority, and contrary to the College of Policing authorised professional practice and the force’s own policy on pursuits.”
Assistant chief constable Simon Belcher said: “Following the tragic deaths of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans in Ely in 2023, South Wales Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure the matter received independent scrutiny.
“The force has fully co-operated with the IOPC investigation and provided information and material, including CCTV footage and body-worn video.”
He added: “We hope that the outcome of the independent investigation and future inquest proceedings will provide answers to the many questions which have been raised about this case.
“Our thoughts, as ever, are with the families and friends of Harvey and Kyrees and all those affected by their deaths.”
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