Three additional individuals have been sentenced for treating a demonstration regarding the tragic death of student Henry Nowak as a violent spectacle. Darren Medhurst, aged 36, received a three-year and three-month prison term at Southampton Crown Court. Callum Darch, aged 27, and Harley Haynes, aged 23, were both sentenced to two years and six months for their involvement in violent disorder in Southampton.
Outrage was triggered by the release of police bodycam footage capturing 18-year-old Henry being restrained in handcuffs just before he lost consciousness and passed away. Henry’s murderer, Vikram Digwa, aged 23 and residing near the victim, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
Tensions escalated following the public release of the police body-worn video showing Mr. Nowak being handcuffed moments before he became unconscious and eventually deceased, leading to a protest in Southampton that escalated into violence.
According to court proceedings, 13 police officers, a police dog, and a member of the public sustained injuries during the violent altercation that occurred when protesters, numbering in the hundreds, gathered at the street where Mr. Nowak was killed. To date, a total of 21 individuals have been charged with violent disorder.
During the trial, Edward Culver, the prosecutor, recounted how a police officer described the protesters treating the disorder as a “party or blood-sport,” expressing concerns that someone could lose their life. Darch, identified as a bricklayer, was captured on video throwing a bin that struck a passerby amidst a confrontation where a group of police officers was surrounded by protesters.
The prosecutor highlighted Darch’s criminal history, which included multiple convictions for offenses such as assaulting a police officer, possessing an offensive weapon, drug possession, and driving violations. Rebecca McKnight, Darch’s defense counsel, emphasized his remorse and efforts to overcome past struggles, particularly in raising his young son.
Medhurst, described as having a significant role in the incident, was reported to have set fire to a commercial bin on wheels, pushed it towards the police cordon, and hurled objects, including a tile and a can, at law enforcement. The prosecutor underscored the potential danger posed by the unknown contents of the ignited bin.
Medhurst’s extensive criminal record, comprising 51 prior convictions for offenses like shoplifting, burglary, drug possession, and vandalism, was brought to the court’s attention. His defense attorney, Stephen Tricker, mentioned Medhurst’s health issues and caregiving responsibilities as mitigating factors, with Medhurst expressing regret for his actions and attributing his presence at the protest to the release of the Henry Nowak arrest footage.
Haynes was reported to have thrown various items, including a brick and glass that shattered, at both police officers and a member of the public filming the incident. Haynes’ criminal background revealed previous convictions for offenses such as theft, criminal damage, drug dealing, and drug possession. Elliott Wright, Haynes’ defense lawyer, highlighted his client’s autism as a factor contributing to his impulsive behavior and emphasized Haynes taking full responsibility for his actions.
The sentencing judge, William Mousley KC, concluded that the severity of the offense warranted immediate imprisonment for the three defendants.
