Three additional men have been sentenced for turning a demonstration related to the tragic death of student Henry Nowak into a violent spectacle.
Darren Medhurst, aged 36, received a three-year and three-month jail term at Southampton Crown Court, while Callum Darch, 27, and Harley Haynes, 23, were each imprisoned for two years and six months for engaging in violent disorder in Southampton.
Outrage ensued following the release of police bodycam footage depicting 18-year-old Henry being restrained in handcuffs just before losing consciousness and passing away.
His assailant, Vikram Digwa, 23, who resided near the Nowak family, was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
Tensions escalated when police body-worn video revealed Mr. Nowak being handcuffed moments before collapsing and dying, leading to a protest in Southampton that quickly turned violent.
During the protest, which shifted to the street where Mr. Nowak was killed, 13 police officers, a police dog, and a civilian sustained injuries, including a broken jaw.
To date, a total of 21 individuals have been charged with violent disorder.
According to Edward Culver, the prosecutor, an officer described the protesters as treating the disorder like a “party or blood-sport,” expressing concerns that someone could be fatally harmed.
Darch, a bricklayer, was captured on video throwing a bin that struck a passerby during a confrontation where police officers were surrounded by protesters.
Darch, who has a history of 10 convictions for 24 offenses, including assaulting a police officer and drug-related charges, showed remorse for his actions, with his defense lawyer highlighting his efforts to overcome past challenges for the sake of his child.
Medhurst played a central role in the disorder, setting fire to a commercial bin and hurling objects at police, risking unknown hazards in the process.
With 51 prior convictions for various offenses, including theft and drug-related crimes, Medhurst’s defense emphasized his health issues and caregiving responsibilities as mitigating factors.
Haynes, who also threw objects during the protest, has a record of nine convictions for 29 offenses, including theft and drug-related crimes, with his defense attributing his actions to his autism and difficulty managing high-pressure situations.
All three defendants received prison sentences as Judge William Mousley KC deemed the offense too severe for anything but immediate imprisonment.