Three jailed for violence at Henry Nowak police protest
3 days ago
Marcus White, Reporting from Southampton Crown Court and
Curtis Lancaster, Southampton
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Darren Medhurst (left), Harley Haynes (centre), and Callum Darch (right)
Three men have been jailed for violent disorder at a protest in Southampton following the murder of Henry Nowak.
Darren Medhurst, 36 of Carnation Road, Southampton was jailed for three years and three months, while Callum Darch, 27, of St Blaize Road, Romsey and Harley Haynes, 23, of Avenue Road, Southampton received two-and-a-half year sentences.
A total of 10 people have so far been sentenced over the disorder during which 12 police officers and a police dog were injured.
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Police were pelted with missiles in the clashes on 2 June
Passing sentence at Southampton Crown Court, Judge William Mousley KC said: "Local residents were subjected to fear, distress and a genuine sense of danger."
Mousley, who had also presided over Digwa's trial, repeated his conclusion from previous hearings that the violence was "hate crime, borne out of a hatred of the police and in some cases racist views".
Prosecutor Edward Culver told the court Darren Medhurst had played a "leading role" in the disorder, throwing two items at police and lighting a burning bin that was propelled towards officers.
His sentence of three years and three months is a month more than the previous longest sentence passed over the disorder.
The court heard that Medhurst, had 51 previous convictions for 96 offences, including handling stolen goods, burglary and shoplifting.
Harley Haynes was shown in video footage with a black hood over his head.
The court was told he threw a number of objects including a brick and several pieces of glass.
One piece hit a lamppost and shattered, showering people with glass, the prosecution said.
Haynes had nine convictions for 21 offences including theft, criminal damage and supplying cannabis.
His defence argued that his involvement in the protests was "a one-off - an impulsive decision".
Callum Darch threw a wheelie bin at police officers, the court heard.
Culver explained how it was "targeted directly at the police" and how the action inflamed and encouraged others in the crowd.
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The prosecution said Darren Medhurst lit the burning bin that was propelled towards the police
Kamil Josef Klonek of Lordswood Road, Southampton, became the first of the 21 defendants facing charges following the protest to plead not guilty.
Prosecutor Culver said Klonek was filmed in the "centre of the disturbance, chanting at police" and throwing a beer can.
The 33-year-old was refused bail and was remanded in custody. A trial date was fixed for 30 November.
The sentencing of Tyler Burley, 18, of Shakespeare Road in Southampton, was adjourned until 30 June for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
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Clockwise from top: Daniel Frost, Andrew Summerhayes, Reece Robinson, Taylor Grundy and Dillon Crawford were sentenced on Wednesday
The prosecution read statements from police officers who were at the scene, with one officer saying those taking part were "acting like it was some kind of party or blood sport".
Another said he was aware that officers have received threats which have made them concerned for their safety.
A third spoke of his fear that someone was going to be killed at the disturbance.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Connor Bishop (left) and Leon O'Leary were sentenced on Tuesday for their part in the disorder
Daniel Frost, 44, of Southampton, for two years and four months
Reece Robinson, 21, of Havant, for two-years
Taylor Grundy, 22, of Gosport, for two and a half years
Andrew Summerhayes, 38, of Romsey, for three years and two months
Dillon Crawford, 29, of Southampton, for three-years
Reuters
Victim personal statements from police officers were read out in court
The court heard previously that the disorder had cost police £443,000 for staffing and accommodation, while Southampton City Council had paid £6,700 in clean-up costs.
Digwa stabbed Nowak with a large blade in December 2025, which he said he carried on grounds of his Sikh faith, then lied to police at the scene, falsely claiming he was the victim of a racist attack. It lead officers to arrest Nowak instead of his killer.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since launched an investigation into the force's response.
Henry Nowak's family were said to be "disappointed" to see the protests
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Read the full article at BBC News (UK) →📄Source document: Southampton Crown Court
12 reports
The IndependentIndependentCenter9 days agoA judge commented on the irony of violent protesters being identified through social media videos shared by others involved in the disorder in Southampton after the murder of Henry Nowak.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a judicial observation without overtly favoring any side. It does not include explicit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omissions that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
The IndependentIndependentCenter9 days ago Man admits throwing frying pan at police during Southampton Henry Nowak protestA man has admitted to throwing a frying pan at police during a protest in Southampton related to Henry Nowak. So far, 10 individuals have been sentenced in connection with the demonstration, which involved approximately 1,000 participants.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific incident involving a protest and legal consequences without taking a stance on the broader political implications of the protest or the actions taken by law enforcement. It provides factual information without apparent bias.
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenter10 days agoThree men have been jailed for their roles in violent protests in Southampton following the murder of Henry Nowak. Darren Medhurst received a three-year and three-month sentence, while Callum Darch and Harley Haynes each received two-and-a-half year sentences. A total of 10 individuals have been sentenced so far for the disorder, during which 12 police officers and a police dog were injured. The judge described the violence as a 'hate crime' rooted in hatred of the police and, in some cases, racism.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings and judicial decisions without overtly favoring any political perspective. It quotes the judge's description of the events but does not frame the incident with ideological bias. The content focuses on legal outcomes and descriptions of
Official sources cited
- court Southampton Crown Court
- government Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenter11 days ago Five jailed for violence at Henry Nowak police protestFive individuals were sentenced to prison terms for their involvement in violent protests in Southampton following the murder of Henry Nowak. The defendants included Daniel Frost, Reece Robinson, Taylor Grundy, Andrew Summerhayes, and Dillon Crawford, who received sentences ranging from two years to three years and two months. During the incident on 2 June, police officers and a police dog were injured when protesters hurled objects such as wheelie bins and chairs. Judge William Mousley KC described the violence as a 'hate crime' motivated by hostility toward the police and, in some cases, rac
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding the sentencing of five individuals involved in a violent protest without apparent bias. It includes details about the charges, sentences, and the nature of the incidents without overtly favoring any side. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the
Official sources cited
- court Southampton Crown Court
The IndependentIndependentCenter11 days ago Man jailed for bringing dog lead ‘knuckleduster’ to Henry Nowak police protestTwo men were jailed for their roles in a violent protest in Southampton linked to the death of Henry Nowak. Daniel Frost received a two-year-and-four-month sentence for violent disorder and possession of a makeshift weapon made from a dog lead. Reece Robinson was sentenced to two years for throwing objects during the protest. The judge described the incident as a 'hate crime' fueled by anti-police sentiment and racism.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual details of the legal proceedings without overtly favoring any side. It quotes judicial statements and prosecution arguments neutrally, avoiding loaded language or selective emphasis that would indicate a clear ideological slant.
Official sources cited
- court Southampton Crown Court
- court Judge William Mousley KC
- court Siobhan Linsley, prosecuting
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter11 days agoTwo men were jailed for their roles in violent protests following the sentencing of the killer of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old who was fatally stabbed. Leon O'Leary received a sentence of three years and one month for throwing a smoke grenade at police, while Connor Bishop was jailed for two years and eight months for hurling a traffic cone. Both admitted to violent disorder. O'Leary also admitted to possessing a samurai sword. The protests occurred after the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, who was convicted of murdering Nowak. Nowak's father criticized the police treatment of his son and urged to
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the legal consequences of individuals involved in violent protests without apparent ideological framing. It does not exhibit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context.
Official sources cited
- court Southampton Crown Court
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenter12 days ago Men jailed for violence at Henry Nowak police protestTwo men, Connor Bishop and Leon O'Leary, have been jailed for their roles in violent disorder during a protest in Southampton following the murder of Henry Nowak. Bishop received a sentence of two years and eight months, while O'Leary was jailed for three years and one month. The violence occurred on 2 June, resulting in injuries to 12 police officers and a police dog. A total of 21 individuals have been charged in connection with the incident. The murder of Nowak was committed by Digwa, who used a large blade and falsely claimed to be a victim of racism, leading to Nowak's wrongful arrest. An
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the legal proceedings and events surrounding the protest and murder without apparent ideological framing. It reports on the sentences handed down, details of the violence, and mentions ongoing investigations without taking a stance or using biased phras
Official sources cited
- government Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
- government Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
The IndependentIndependentCenter12 days ago Two men jailed for violent disorder at Henry Nowak police protest in SouthamptonTwo men, Leon O’Leary and Connor Bishop, were jailed after participating in violent disorder during a protest in Southampton following the murder of Henry Nowak. O’Leary was found guilty of throwing a smoke grenade at police, resisting arrest, and possessing a samurai sword, while Bishop was involved in throwing a traffic cone. Both admitted to their actions in court.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual details of the incident without apparent ideological framing. It reports on legal proceedings and includes direct quotes from the individuals involved, maintaining neutrality in tone and content.
Official sources cited
- court Southampton Crown Court
Sky News (UK)IndependentCenter13 days agoFive men have been jailed for their involvement in the Southampton protest related to the police handling of the Henry Nowak murder.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on legal consequences for individuals involved in a protest without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not take a stance on the protest itself or the broader political implications.
The IndependentIndependentCenter14 days ago Three more charged over Southampton protests after Henry Nowak murderThree additional people have been charged in connection with protests in Southampton following the murder of Henry Nowak. All are scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about charges and court appearances with no apparent loaded language, editorial judgment, or one-sided framing.
Official sources cited
- government Hampshire Police statement
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenter15 days ago Four more admit violent disorder after Nowak protestFour additional men have pleaded guilty to violent disorder following protests in Southampton after the murder of Henry Nowak. The protests occurred after police released bodycam footage showing Nowak being restrained following his stabbing by Vickrum Digwa, who received a life sentence. A total of 11 individuals have now been charged in connection with the disorder.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on legal proceedings and events objectively, without emphasizing any particular political perspective.
Official sources cited
- government Hampshire Police Statement
- government Southampton Magistrates' Court Records
Sky News (UK)IndependentCenter15 days ago Four plead guilty to violent disorder after protests over Henry Nowak's murderFour men have pleaded guilty to violent disorder during protests in Southampton that were sparked by the murder of Henry Nowak.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on legal proceedings related to a crime without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on the factual outcome of the case without emphasizing any particular political perspective.
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