Three additional individuals have been accused of engaging in violent behavior during demonstrations in Southampton this week after the tragic killing of Henry Nowak, bringing the total number of charged individuals to 14.
According to Hampshire Police, Darren Medhurst, 36, residing on Carnation Road in Southampton; Jordan Hambleton, 19, from Rollesbrook Gardens, Southampton; and Callum Darch, 27, from St Blaize Road in Romsey, have been charged with violent disorder. They are scheduled to appear in Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
These charges stem from protests that followed the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, 23, who received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old Mr. Nowak in December.
Tensions escalated after a video from police body cameras was released, showing Mr. Nowak being handcuffed just before losing consciousness and passing away.
Protests erupted near the location where the student was fatally stabbed, as Digwa alleged he was a victim of a racial attack while Mr. Nowak was handcuffed by police, disregarding his pleas for assistance as he struggled to breathe.
Earlier this week, eleven individuals were charged in connection with disorder during a protest in Southampton regarding the police handling of Nowak’s death, which turned violent.
Hampshire Police had intended to issue a statement countering “misinformation” during the trial of Henry Nowak’s killer, but were advised by the Crown Prosecution Service that it could impact the case.
Concerns were raised about online commentary and potential public unrest, leading Hampshire Police to seek the CPS’s opinion on addressing inquiries after the trial concludes.
The proposed statement aimed to explain the court case process, remind the public not to prejudice legal proceedings, and assure that the police would address inquiries post-trial.
A spokesperson from the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the importance of maintaining the trial’s integrity and refraining from discussing evidence prematurely.
Mr. Nowak’s father, Mark, expressed the family’s desire to prevent his death from fueling division or animosity, yet the police’s treatment of the student has sparked a political debate.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is currently investigating Hampshire Police’s response to Mr. Nowak’s case.