Five men have been sentenced at Southampton Crown Court after violent disorder erupted on 2 June in the Portswood area of Southampton. The unrest followed a peaceful protest outside Southampton Central Police Station, which was held in response to the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. Nowak was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa.
The demonstration turned violent after police bodycam footage was released showing Henry Nowak handcuffed as he lay dying. During the disorder, eleven police officers and a police dog were injured as rioters threw wheelie bins, chairs, and other missiles.
Daniel Frost, 44, of Southampton, was jailed for two years and four months for violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Reece Robinson, 21, from Havant, received a two-year sentence after admitting to violent disorder. Taylor Grundy, 22, from Gosport, was sentenced to two and a half years. Andrew Summerhayes, 38, of Romsey, and Dillon Crawford, 29, of Southampton, were both jailed for three years. Other related sentences include Leon O’Leary, who received three years and one month, and Connor Bishop, sentenced to two years and eight months.
Presiding Judge William Mousley KC described the disorder as “serious public disorder” and “a hate crime,” driven by hostility towards the police and, in some cases, racist views. He highlighted the use of an adapted dog lead as an offensive weapon and condemned the rioters’ actions, including throwing furniture into the roads.
Judge Mousley noted that the violent disorder caused “profound distress and danger” to the local community. He criticised those involved for bringing shame to their families and emphasised the seriousness of attacking law enforcement officers during the unrest.
Originally published by UKNIP.
