No charges for officer following deaths of two teenage boys in South Wales e-bike crash

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had submitted a file of evidence to the CPS after it received a referral from South Wales Police following the deaths of Harvey Evans, 15, and Kyrees Sullivan, 16, in the collision in Ely, Cardiff on May 22.

Its investigation into an allegation of dangerous driving came after CCTV footage showed a marked police van driving behind the boys’ electric bike, in a nearby street, shortly before the crash.

However, the CPS has concluded there was “insufficient evidence” to charge the officer driving he police van.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of the two teenagers following their tragic deaths in May 2023.

“Following a thorough and detailed review of the evidence in relation to a single allegation of dangerous driving in this case, we have decided that no criminal charges will be brought against a South Wales Police officer.

“We have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

“We fully understand that this will be disappointing news for the families of both boys and will offer a meeting with them to explain our reasoning further.”

He said the decision is subject to the Victim’s Right of Review (VRR) scheme which provides a victim or their families in some classes of case with a specifically designed process to exercise the right to review certain CPS decisions not to start a prosecution or to stop a prosecution.

Commenting on the CPS decision not to bring any criminal proceedings against the officer, IOPC Director David Ford said: “First and foremost, our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families of Kyrees and Harvey and all those affected by their untimely deaths. We know that the boys’ deaths have had a deep impact on the local community and I want to thank everyone again for their patience while we carried out our detailed investigative work.

“We previously informed the families of our decision to make a referral to the CPS and we continue to keep them updated, as we have throughout our investigation.

“It was only after we had thoroughly and carefully analysed all the evidence, that we made a referral to the CPS, when we had decided there was an indication an officer may have committed a criminal offence in relation to the manner of their driving, and that it was appropriate for the matter to be considered by the CPS. It was for the CPS to consider whether to bring any criminal charge and we note their decision announced today.

“We are finalising our position over any potential disciplinary proceedings in relation to the driver of the police van and will provide a further update once final decisions have been made.”

The IOPC said its second investigation into family complaints against South Wales Police, which covered a number of areas including the families’ treatment at the scene of the incident, is close to concluding.