Southampton dad jailed after throwing beer can at police
A father has been jailed after throwing an empty beer can at police officers during disorder in Southampton.
Kamil Klonek, 38, of Lordswood Road, Southampton, was among a crowd involved in violent disorder in Belmont Road on Tuesday, June 2.
Southampton Crown Court heard how footage showed Klonek at the front of a line of protesters, drinking from a can of beer and gesturing towards Hampshire Constabulary officers.
The disorder came during protests following the murder of 18-year-old University of Southampton student Henry Nowak, with demonstrators gathering over the killing and allegations of two-tier policing.
The court heard Klonek was seen shouting abuse at officers, calling them “traitors”, while encouraging others to get involved in the disorder.
Police drone footage showed Klonek wearing sunglasses, a cap and a grey hoodie. The court heard he made several attempts to conceal his identity by pulling his top over his face.
Prosecutor Matthew Lawson said: “In the footage the defendant can be seen waving his arms in a confrontational manner with clenched fists.
“When police arrested the defendant at his home on June 6 he said he was there but did not throw anything.”
Klonek initially denied the charge of violent disorder, with a trial scheduled for November 30. However, the court heard his defence indicated on October 14 that he had changed his plea.
Defending, Callum Bisson-Simmonds said: “The throw of the can was an underarm toss that landed around six to nine feet away from the police line on Belmont Road.
“The defendant is acting in a way that can be described a drunken buffoonery.
“My client accepts that and is deeply sorry for the way that he acted.
“He disgraced himself by way of his actions and is deeply ashamed.
“Mr Klonek has a child that is soon to reach their first birthday – if he remains in custody he will miss that.
“He came to the UK 15 years ago from Poland.”
Klonek was sentenced to two years and six months behind bars.
Addressing the defendant, Judge William Mosley KC said: “You were near the front of the crowd, you applauded, threw a can and shouted abuse at officer while encouraging others to do the same.”
When he is released from jail, Klonek will be required to wear an electronic tag while on licence.
