Three additional men have been sentenced for engaging in violent behavior during a demonstration related to the tragic death of student Henry Nowak, which was likened to a “blood-sport.” Darren Medhurst, aged 36, received a three-year and three-month prison term at Southampton Crown Court. Callum Darch, 27, and Harley Haynes, 23, were both sentenced to two years and six months for violent disorder in Southampton. The uproar ensued after police bodycam footage was released, revealing the restraint of 18-year-old Henry before he lost consciousness and passed away. Vikram Digwa, 23, the perpetrator residing near the incident, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. The protest in Southampton, triggered by the video of Henry’s arrest, turned violent, resulting in injuries to 13 police officers, a police dog, and a civilian with a broken jaw. A total of 21 individuals have been charged with violent disorder in connection to the incident.
During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that the protesters treated the disorder as a “party or blood-sport,” leading to concerns of potential fatalities among the officers. Darch, a bricklayer, was recorded throwing a bin that struck a passerby during the chaotic events. With a history of multiple convictions for various offenses, including assaulting a police officer and drug-related charges, Darch expressed regret and remorse for his actions. Medhurst played a prominent role in the disturbance, setting fire to a commercial bin and hurling objects at the police cordon. Despite his criminal record, including numerous convictions for offenses like shoplifting and drug possession, Medhurst attributed his presence at the event to the release of Henry Nowak’s arrest footage. Haynes, who has a history of criminal offenses, including supply of drugs and damage, threw objects at both police officers and a member of the public. Described as easily influenced due to his autism, Haynes acknowledged his responsibility for his actions during the violent disorder.
In the sentencing, Judge William Mousley KC emphasized the severity of the offense, warranting immediate imprisonment for the three defendants.
