#grossmisconduct

Cardiff Officer Faces Misconduct Hearing Over Fatal E-Bike Crash

A South Wales Police officer is to face a gross misconduct hearing following the deaths of two teenagers in a Cardiff e-bike crash, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.

The crash, which claimed the lives of Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, in May 2023, sparked grief and unrest in the Ely community after CCTV footage showed a police van in the area shortly before the fatal collision.

IOPC Findings

After a two-year investigation, the IOPC determined that while there was no direct contact between the police vehicle and the e-bike at the time of the crash, the officer involved “has a case to answer” for gross misconduct.

Key concerns highlighted by the watchdog include:

• The accuracy of the officer’s account given to colleagues after the incident.

• Possible breaches of honesty and integrity standards.

• Issues relating to the driving of the police van.

• Concerns over the language used by the officer in the aftermath.

Criminal Charges Ruled Out

Earlier this year, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced it would not bring criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence to pursue a case of dangerous driving or misconduct in public office. Families of the boys have been informed they can request a review of that decision under the Victims’ Right to Review scheme.

Next Steps

The gross misconduct case will now be considered by a disciplinary panel. If the allegations are proven, the officer could face sanctions ranging from a final written warning to dismissal.

The IOPC stressed that its findings do not mean guilt has been established, but rather that the evidence is strong enough to require a hearing.

Community Impact

The deaths of Evans and Sullivan not only devastated their families but also triggered violent clashes in Ely on the night of the crash, as community tensions boiled over amid speculation about a police pursuit.