No Charges for Police Officer Following Fatal E-Bike Collision in Cardiff
The Crown Prosecution Service announces its decision after the deaths of two teenagers in May 2023.
A police officer from South Wales will not face criminal charges after a fatal e-bike collision that resulted in the deaths of two teenagers, Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, in Ely, Cardiff, in May 2023. The boys, aged 16 and 15 respectively, crashed on a Sur-Ron electric bike shortly after being followed by a police van, an incident that led to significant unrest in the local community, culminating in a riot that injured dozens of officers and involved looting and property damage.
The collision occurred minutes after surveillance footage captured the two teenagers being followed by the police van.
Following their deaths, tensions escalated, leading to riots in which cars were set ablaze and property was vandalized.
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) special crime division, confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed against the police officer involved.
He stated that a thorough review of the evidence in relation to a suspected dangerous driving claim did not yield sufficient evidence to support a realistic prospect of conviction.
McHaffie expressed condolences to the families of the deceased teenagers, emphasizing the gravity of the situation while also explaining the CPS’s rationale.
A meeting will be offered to the families for further clarification regarding the decision.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had previously stated that the driver of the police van was under criminal investigation for dangerous driving, and another officer who was a passenger in the van had also received a misconduct notice.
The IOPC submitted a comprehensive file of evidence to the CPS concerning the alleged offence.
David Ford, IOPC director, reiterated that the organization’s thoughts remain with the families and the community, acknowledging the profound impact of the boys’ deaths.
He thanked the community for their patience throughout the investigation and noted that the decision to refer the case to the CPS was made after a careful analysis of all available evidence.
Additionally, the IOPC is concluding an investigation into complaints made by the families against South Wales Police, focusing on various concerns including families’ treatment during the aftermath of the incident.
Final determinations regarding potential disciplinary actions against the involved police officer are anticipated, with further updates to be provided as decisions are finalized.
The collision occurred minutes after surveillance footage captured the two teenagers being followed by the police van.
Following their deaths, tensions escalated, leading to riots in which cars were set ablaze and property was vandalized.
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) special crime division, confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed against the police officer involved.
He stated that a thorough review of the evidence in relation to a suspected dangerous driving claim did not yield sufficient evidence to support a realistic prospect of conviction.
McHaffie expressed condolences to the families of the deceased teenagers, emphasizing the gravity of the situation while also explaining the CPS’s rationale.
A meeting will be offered to the families for further clarification regarding the decision.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had previously stated that the driver of the police van was under criminal investigation for dangerous driving, and another officer who was a passenger in the van had also received a misconduct notice.
The IOPC submitted a comprehensive file of evidence to the CPS concerning the alleged offence.
David Ford, IOPC director, reiterated that the organization’s thoughts remain with the families and the community, acknowledging the profound impact of the boys’ deaths.
He thanked the community for their patience throughout the investigation and noted that the decision to refer the case to the CPS was made after a careful analysis of all available evidence.
Additionally, the IOPC is concluding an investigation into complaints made by the families against South Wales Police, focusing on various concerns including families’ treatment during the aftermath of the incident.
Final determinations regarding potential disciplinary actions against the involved police officer are anticipated, with further updates to be provided as decisions are finalized.
