Southampton Protest Violence: Three Men Jailed for Disorder After Henry Nowak Murder
Darren Medhurst, 36, of Carnation Road, Southampton, was sentenced to three years and three months. Callum Darch, 27, of St Blaize Road, Romsey, and Harley Haynes, 23, of Avenue Road, Southampton, each received two-and-a-half-year terms. The protest on 2 June occurred following the release of police body camera footage depicting 18-year-old Henry Nowak handcuffed and dying after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, 23. Digwa was previously jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years.
Judge William Mousley KC, presiding at Southampton Crown Court, stated that “local residents were subjected to fear, distress and a genuine sense of danger.” Mousley reiterated his conclusion from earlier hearings that the violence represented “hate crime, borne out of a hatred of the police and in some cases racist views.”
Prosecutor Edward Culver detailed Medhurst’s “leading role,” including throwing items at police and igniting a burning bin propelled towards officers. Medhurst’s sentence exceeds all previous terms for the disorder. He has 51 prior convictions for 96 offences. Haynes was filmed throwing objects, including a brick and glass, with one piece shattering against a lamppost. Haynes has nine convictions for 21 offences. Darch was seen throwing a wheelie bin directly at police, an act Culver stated “inflamed and encouraged others.”
Kamil Josef Klonek, 33, of Lordswood Road, Southampton, pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody. Tyler Burley, 18, of Shakespeare Road, Southampton, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, had his sentencing adjourned until 30 June. Police officers’ statements described participants as “acting like it was some kind of party or blood sport” and expressed fear for their safety. The disorder incurred costs of £443,000 for police staffing and accommodation, and £6,700 for Southampton City Council’s clean-up efforts.
Digwa stabbed Nowak in December 2025, claiming he carried the blade due to his Sikh faith. He then falsely told police he was the victim of a racist attack, leading to Nowak’s initial arrest. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since initiated an investigation into the force’s response.
