More Rioters Jailed for Southampton Violent Disorder Following Fatal Stabbing of Henry Nowak

Three more men have been jailed for violent disorder after admitting active roles within a large and hostile crowd that attacked police officers in the Portswood area of Southampton following protests over the police handling of the murder of Henry Nowak.

Darren Medhurst, 36, of Carnation Road, Southampton, was sentenced to three years and three months’ imprisonment, while Callum Darch, 27, of St Blaize Road, Romsey, and Harley Haynes, 23, of Avenue Road, Southampton, were each jailed for two years and six months.

The sentences bring the total number of people imprisoned so far over the disorder on 2 June to 10.

At Southampton Crown Court, Judge William Mousley KC, who also presided over the murder trial of Vickrum Digwa, said local residents had been subjected to “fear, distress and a genuine sense of danger” during the violence.

Read more: Leon O’Leary & Connor Bishop: First Defendants Jailed for Southampton Violent Disorder Following Murder of Henry Nowak

Medhurst was found to have played a leading role in the crowd’s attacks on police officers. Prosecutor Edward Culver told the court he threw objects towards officers and lit a wheelie bin which was later pushed while on fire towards a police cordon.

The 36-year-old had 51 previous convictions for 96 offences, including burglary, handling stolen goods and shoplifting. His sentence of three years and three months is the longest imposed so far for participation in the violent disorder.

Haynes was identified on video footage among those directing violence towards police officers. The court heard he threw a number of objects, including a brick and pieces of glass, at officers during the disorder. One piece of glass struck a lamppost and shattered.

Defending, his barrister submitted that his involvement had been “a one-off” and an impulsive decision. Haynes had nine previous convictions for 21 offences, including theft, criminal damage and supplying cannabis. He was jailed for two years and six months.

Read more: Six Men Charged Over Southampton Protest Violence: Clashes With Police After Henry Nowak's Murder

Darch received the same sentence after admitting his role in the disorder. The court heard he threw a wheelie bin directly towards police officers as the crowd’s attacks on officers escalated.

Mr Culver said the action was targeted at police and encouraged others within the crowd. The court concluded that his conduct formed part of the threatening and violent behaviour directed at officers during the disorder.

The unrest followed protests over the police handling of the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. After an initial demonstration outside Southampton Central Police Station, crowds later gathered in the Portswood area, close to where members of Vickrum Digwa’s family were reported to live, before serious disorder broke out.

Digwa, 23, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years after being convicted of Mr Nowak’s murder.

Read more: Access To The Law: Violent Disorder Explained And How The Law Treats Protest, Group Violence & Participation

The court has previously heard that 12 police officers and a police dog were injured during the violence. A total of 22 people have been charged in connection with the disorder.

The sentencing of Tyler Burley, 18, of Shakespeare Road, Southampton, who has admitted violent disorder, was adjourned until 30 June for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.