Two men have been jailed following violent disorder in Southampton linked to unrest after the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak.
Leon O’Leary, 41, from Basingstoke, received a sentence of three years and one month, while 24-year-old Connor Bishop from Southampton was sentenced to two years and eight months after admitting violent disorder offences on 2 June, related to the disturbances that erupted in the city.
The unrest followed the release of police body-worn footage showing Henry Nowak handcuffed on the ground as he died from stab wounds inflicted by Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was later jailed for life with a minimum 21-year term after falsely claiming racist attack victimhood.
Court footage at Southampton Crown Court showed O’Leary hurling a smoke grenade at officers and resisting arrest. Police used Pava spray when he took a fighting stance on the stairs. Officers also found a samurai sword at his home, resulting in additional charges.
Bishop, filmed wearing a jumper stating “boys get sad too,” admitted to throwing a traffic cone at police, as well as a box of screws and punching a wall. He cited peer pressure and drinking a small amount of beer, which increased his aggression.
Local resident Sophie Martin said she feared for her safety, trapped inside her home as crowds challenged police lines. British Transport Police officer Ruby Stevenson called the violence the worst she had experienced in 12 years, fearing serious injury.
The protests cost Hampshire Police £443,000 in staffing and accommodation, with Southampton City Council spending £6,700 on cleanup and repairs.
Sentencing Judge William Mousley KC described relentless assaults on officers by thrown objects and threats. He criticised participants for escalating public fear and distress, and causing extensive damage instead of withdrawing from the violence.
Originally published by UKNIP.
