Southampton Public Disorder: Dozens Face Charges After Henry Nowak Unrest

Judicial Round-Up: Southampton Public Disorder

The widespread street unrest in Southampton last week—which erupted following intense public scrutiny over the police response to the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak—has triggered a fast-moving and extensive fast-track judicial operation. Dozens of individuals have already been swept into the legal system, with prosecutors pushing swift public order and weapons charges through the courts.  

Below is the verified breakdown of all known defendants, current pleas, and active Crown allegations as of today, June 8, 2026.

Guilty Pleas Entered (Convictions Reached)

The following individuals have formally admitted their roles in the disorder at initial hearings and have been fast-tracked for higher court sentencing:

 Harry Varney (34), of Briarswood, Southampton: Pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Saturday, June 6. He has been remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at Southampton Crown Court this Wednesday.  

Read more: Harehills Rioter Jailed for Arson & Violent Disorder

 Taylor Grundy (22), of Pavillion Way, Gosport: Entered a guilty plea to violent disorder on June 6. He remains remanded in custody ahead of his appearance at Southampton Crown Court on Wednesday.  

 Dillon Crawford (29), of Wilton Avenue, Southampton: Pleaded guilty to violent disorder during his magistrates' court appearance on June 6. He has been remanded in custody until Wednesday's Crown Court hearing.  

 Andrew Summerhayes (38), of Banning Street, Romsey: Formally entered guilty pleas to violent disorder and two distinct counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place on June 6. He remains remanded in custody to appear at the Crown Court on Wednesday.  

Ongoing Crown Allegations

The remaining individuals face active prosecution. Under UK reporting restrictions, all charges against the following individuals must be treated strictly as Crown allegations until a formal verdict or plea is recorded.

Read more: Violent disorder and protests: Why crossing the line means prison

Remanded Directly to Crown Court (No Plea Entered)  

Kevin Reeves (31), of Portswood Road, Southampton: Faces a Crown allegation of violent disorder and entered no formal plea during his initial appearance. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Crown Court this Wednesday.  

Andrew Riddett (38), of Seacombe Green, Southampton: The prosecution alleges an offence of violent disorder, with the defendant entering no plea at the preliminary stage. He remains remanded in custody to appear at the Crown Court on Wednesday.  

Initial Magistrates' Court Appearances Completed  

Matt Styler (50): The Crown maintains an active allegation of assault of an emergency worker following an initial appearance at Southampton Magistrates' Court on June 4.  

Daniel Frost (44): Faces active Crown allegations of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon arising from his appearance on June 4.  

Read more: Face Coverings - A Veil Confusion

Connor Bishop (24), of Southampton: The prosecution alleges an offence of violent disorder following an appearance on June 5.

Reece Robinson (21), of Havant: Currently subject to a Crown allegation of violent disorder following his court appearance on June 5.

Noah Etherington (18), of Havant: Faces an ongoing Crown allegation of violent disorder after appearing before magistrates on June 5.

Due in Magistrates' Court Today (June 8)  

 Darren Medhurst (36), of Carnation Road, Southampton: Remanded in custody facing a Crown allegation of violent disorder, with a scheduled first appearance today.  

 Jordan Hambleton (19), of Rollesbrook Gardens, Southampton: Remains under active Crown allegations of violent disorder and was remanded in custody to appear before magistrates today.  

 Callum Darch (27), of St Blaize Road, Romsey: The prosecution maintains an allegation of violent disorder, with the defendant remanded in custody ahead of his scheduled court hearing today.  

Active Investigations & Bail Summaries

Unnamed 16-year-old girl, of Southampton: Formal records from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirm she was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

She has not been formally charged at this time and has been released on conditional police bail while ongoing police enquiries continue.  

Case Summary:

Total Remanded to Crown Court (Awaiting Wednesday Hearings): 6 defendants (4 convicted on guilty pleas, 2 who entered no plea)

Due in Magistrates' Court Today (June 8): 3 defendants

Initial Magistrates' Court Stages Completed: 5 defendants