Three more charged over Southampton disorder after Henry Nowak murder
Three more people have been charged with violent disorder following protests in Southampton earlier this week following the murder of Henry Nowak.
There were demonstrations in front of the police station on Tuesday evening, in which 11 police officers and a dog were injured.
The outrage erupted after police released body-worn video showing Nowak, 18, being handcuffed moments before he lost consciousness and subsequently died.
Her killer, Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist attack, while Nowak’s repeated defenses that he had been stabbed were ignored by officers.
Hampshire Police said Connor Bishop, 24, of Oxford Street, Southampton, Reece Robinson, 21, of Soberton Road, Havant, and Noah Etherington, 18, of Rowbury Road, Havant, were due to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning.
Sir Keir Starmer called on the nation to choose unity over hatred after a meeting with the family of the murdered student, when he told them he would “do whatever it takes to right the wrongs in this case”.
The Prime Minister said he was “extremely humbled” to have a private meeting with the teenager’s family in Downing Street on Thursday afternoon and said Mr Nowak “deserves a legacy that goes beyond this terrible tragedy”.
The treatment of the 18-year-old boy by the police triggered political debate.
The Prime Minister urged politicians to heed calls from the teenager’s relatives not to use the case “to create havoc” and branded Nigel Farage’s response “inexcusable”.
The reform leader responded to the criticism by saying he condemned “all violence” and agreed to meet with Mr. Nowak’s family.
Daniel Frost, 44, of Southampton, pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges of violent disorder and possession of a metal carabiner dog collar as an offensive weapon following protests.
A second man, Matt Styler, 50, from Gosport, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer.
Sir Keir said after the family meeting: “I was deeply humbled to meet Henry Nowak’s family, Mark, Lucy and Katie, in Downing Street this afternoon and to see their dignity and strength in the face of unimaginable suffering.
“I was touched to learn more about Henry and I am grateful for his kindness, warmth and love of football and his family.
“There was no doubt that he had a bright future ahead of him, a future that was cruelly stolen from him under terrible circumstances.
“Henry deserves a legacy that goes beyond this terrible tragedy, and I am determined to make that happen.
“I am determined to do everything we can to prevent other families from suffering such a devastating loss.
“There are difficult questions that need to be answered about how police handled Henry’s murder.
“The Independent Police Conduct Office is investigating. We will not hesitate to take any action necessary to right the wrongs in this case.”
