Three more people have been charged in connection with the violent protests in Southampton following the murder of Henry Nowak, bringing the total number of charged individuals to 14, Hampshire Police confirmed.
Details of the Charges
Darren Medhurst, 36, of Carnation Road, Southampton; Jordan Hambleton, 19, of Rollesbrook Gardens, Southampton; and Callum Darch, 27, of St Blaize Road, Romsey, have all been charged with violent disorder. They are scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Monday.
These charges come after protests erupted in the city following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, 23, for the murder of the 18-year-old Henry Nowak in December. Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years in prison.
Background of the Protests
The protests were sparked by the release of police body-worn video footage showing Henry Nowak being handcuffed moments before he lost consciousness and later died. Digwa had falsely claimed he was racially abused and acted in self-defence after fatally stabbing Henry.
Henry's father, Mark, has urged the public not to use his son's death to create further division, hatred, or tension. However, the police's handling of the case has ignited a political debate, with some accusing authorities of 'two-tier' policing.
Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, who supported the family last week, stated: "They are obviously very upset with the protests that happened in Southampton on Tuesday evening - that is not in accordance with their wishes. They are urging calm reflection."
