Man jailed for riot at Shirenewton Gypsy and Traveller Site

A London man has been sentenced to 4 years in prison after being convicted of riot.

The charge relates to an on-going investigation into a large scale disturbance in Cardiff in March 2021.

James Anthony Mongan, 35, from Brent, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today for sentencing after pleading guilty last month.

Police were called to Shirenewton Gypsy and Traveller Site in Wentloog Avenue, Trowbridge, Cardiff, shortly after 4pm on Sunday, March 21, 2021.

Four men were injured during the disturbance and a number of weapons were seized at the time.

Mongan is the first person to be convicted in relation to the incident.

He is also the first person in Wales to be convicted of riot.

A further 46 arrests have been made across South Wales and other areas of the UK in relation to the disturbance.

In Cardiff, 20 people including 15 men, four teenage boys and a woman have been arrested in connection with the disturbance.

There have been 26 further arrests in the following police force areas - The Metropolitan Police Service (18) Thames Valley Police (4), Bedfordshire (1), Hertfordshire, (1) Surrey (1), and Gwent (1)

The majority of the 46 arrests took place on September 22, 2021 and all those arrested remain on police bail.

Detective Superintendent Ceri Hughes, from South Wales Police, said: “As always, South Wales Police strives to protect all communities from serious harm.

“In March we made a commitment to identify those responsible for this large scale disorder and I’m pleased to say that, with the support of other police forces, a significant number of people have been arrested.

“Anyone who thinks they can commit such violence in the South Wales Police area should think again. 

"It will not be tolerated and we hope this multi - force operation makes that message very clear.

“We again thank local communities for their patience, understanding and co-operation while arrests and searches were carried out during our investigation.”