Tag: Southampton

Two men jailed after violent disorder at Southampton protest over Henry Nowak murder Court sentences handed down after police injured in unrest Two men have been jailed after violent disorder broke out during a protest in Southampton linked to the murder of 18 year old Henry Nowak. Connor Bishop, 24, received a sentence of two years and eight months. Leon O’Leary, 41, was jailed for three years and one month. Both men admitted violent disorder in earlier court proceedings. The unrest took place on 2 June in the Portswood area. Police officers and a police dog were injured when objects were thrown at them during the escalation. Protest followed release of police footage The demonstration began after body camera footage was released showing Henry Nowak handcuffed while dying after being stabbed. The case relates to Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was convicted of murdering Nowak. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. Digwa initially told police he was the victim of a racist attack, which led to confusion at the scene. Violence escalated outside police station and nearby streets The protest first gathered outside a city centre police station in Southampton. It later moved closer to the home of Digwa’s family. Authorities say the situation turned violent as crowds clashed with police. Officers were hit with thrown objects, including wheelie bins, chairs, and other debris. A total of 21 people have now been charged in connection with the disorder. Evidence presented in court CCTV and video footage were shown during sentencing. O’Leary was seen picking up a smoke grenade from the ground and throwing it toward police. He also admitted resisting arrest and possession of an offensive weapon after officers found a samurai sword at his home. He claimed it was a decorative item he had owned for years. During arrest, he reportedly took a defensive stance at the top of a staircase and threatened officers before being restrained with spray. Bishop was also identified in footage. He wore a black jumper with writing on the back and threw a traffic cone toward officers during the disorder. Investigation into police response The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into how police handled the initial incident and its aftermath. Henry Nowak’s family condemned the violence seen during the protest and called for calm following the events.
Crime and Justice

Two men jailed after violent disorder at Southampton protest over Henry Nowak murder

Court sentences handed down after police injured in unrest Two men have…

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