A man who was part of a mob that attacked police officers following a murder trial has been handed a two-year jail sentence.

Peter Black, 46, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court to violent disorder in the city on 2 June.

He is the 34th person to be charged over the night of violence, which followed the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa for murdering student Henry Nowak.

The court heard Black, of Waterhouse Lane, Southampton, had 26 previous convictions for 141 offences and was previously jailed for ordering a semi-automatic handgun on the dark web.

The Glock 19 pistol was seized after it had been posted from the US, concealed inside a household item, to a property in Portsmouth.

At the time, police described Black as a “potentially dangerous individual”.

During the Southampton disorder, 12 police officers were injured after bricks, bottles and other objects were thrown at them.

It followed revelations about the police’s treatment of Nowak, who was initially arrested and handcuffed before his fatal injury was discovered.

His killer, Digwa, used a blade he claimed to have carried as part of his Sikh faith and falsely told police he had been the victim of a racist attack, the court heard.

Judge William Mousley KC previously said the violent protest was a “hate crime, borne out of hatred of the police and in some cases racist views”.

BBC News

Three people who hurled projectiles at police during the disorder that followed the death of Henry Nowak have avoided immediate custody.

Callum Cool, 18, Teagan Sims, 19, and Bethany Davies, 23, admitted violent disorder at Southampton Crown Court and were sentenced.

More than 1,000 people gathered outside Southampton Central police station on June 2 to protest the police treatment and arrest of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak following his fatal stabbing.

As tensions escalated, hundreds marched to Portswood, where clashes with police broke out.

Prosecutor Siobhan Linsley said Cool threw a drinks can, a bottle and a bin at officers; he was 17 at the time and turned 18 four days later.

Sims and Davies, who attended the disorder together, also threw objects at police.

Footage filmed by a YouTuber and shown in court captured the pair being interviewed during the unrest.

One said: “Justice for Henry.”

Asked about police, one replied: “They should have done a better job because that is what they are paid for at the end of the day.”

Ms Linsley said Davies had a previous conviction for kicking two police officers when she was 18.

Referring to Sims and Davies, she added: “Quite clearly they are egging each other on.”

The court heard Cool, of Robinia Green in Southampton, Sims, of Purdy Road in Carisbrooke, and Davies, of Holmes Court, Tennyson Road, Yarmouth, had all pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Tom Evans, mitigating for Cool and Sims, said both had shown remorse, were willing to work with probation and had no previous convictions.

Bridget O’Hagan, mitigating for Davies, said her client had been traumatised by her time in custody after her arrest and had learning disabilities, ADHD and autism.

She added: “With the greatest respect she has absolutely no understanding of what two-tier justice is.”

Judge William Mousley KC suspended all three custodial sentences, citing their youth and personal circumstances.

Cool was sentenced to 16 months in a young offender institution, suspended for two years, and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and obey a six-month curfew.

Sims was sentenced to 20 months in a young offender institution, suspended for two years, and must complete 120 hours of unpaid work, abstain from alcohol for 120 days and undertake 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Davies was sentenced to two years in a young offender institution, suspended for two years, and must complete 120 hours of unpaid work, abstain from alcohol for 120 days, undertake 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and obey a one-year curfew.

The protests followed revelations that police had initially handcuffed Henry while he was critically injured, after his alleged attacker falsely claimed he had been the victim of a racist attack.

Daily Echo

A protester who cloaked himself in a union jack and attempted to break into a hotel housing asylum seekers as a mob was “baying” outside has avoided a prison sentence.

Robert Scott, 47, also stole a Deliveroo food delivery bag after he joined between 100 and 150 people in Liverpool city centre on 9 June for a protest following disruption in Belfast.

Scott, of Bootle, Sefton, who admitted theft and criminal damage, was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, at Liverpool Crown Court.

The court heard he had damaged the door of Richmond Hotel, which was housing asylum seekers, and attempted to enter before police stopped him.

Judge Swinnerton said the protest had taken place in the context of “protecting women and girls from asylum seekers”.

He said Scott had 44 previous convictions for 72 offences and had “domestic violence all over his record and five children he doesn’t look after”.

The judge added: “The general intention was, no doubt, to intimidate, and you, clad as you were in your union jack flag as a cloak, forced your way through the doors.

“Immediately behind you, as you forced open the doors of that hotel, were 100 to 150 people shouting and being abusive, and racially motivated abuse, towards the people within that hotel.”
‘For the clicks’

The protest moved to Bold Street and Scott was captured on CCTV near the Adelphi Hotel stealing a Deliveroo bag from a group of riders who had gathered.

He later posted footage on TikTok “celebrating” the theft, and a picture on his Facebook page showed the bag with five pictures of Henry Nowak, whose murder sparked protests in Southampton, stuck on it.

The judge said Scott saw the bag as a symbol of immigrants and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

He added: “That’s why you stole a Deliveroo bag, to taunt them and because you appear to have found it funny and others appear to have found it funny too.

“There was some comment about doing it ‘for the clicks’.”

A community impact statement said businesses had to pay for taxis for staff to ensure they got home safely.

Swinnerton said: “The image of mobs coming down the street is not one which promotes the visitor economy.”

Scott, who appeared over video link from prison and had a bandaged arm, said he was sorry for his actions, and had attempted suicide.

Nick Cockrell, defending, said: “It hasn’t been an easy experience in custody this time round and he is anxious, if he can, to receive a sentence which allows for his release and allows him to make some progress in the community.”

Scott was ordered to carry out 25 days of rehabilitation activity, 100 hours of unpaid work, 12 months of mental health treatment and was subject to a trail monitoring tag for 12 months.

BBC News

A man who subjected Vickrum Digwa’s solicitor to “vile hate and abuse” – and then posted it online – has avoided a prison sentence.

Ryan Eastman-Baddams targeted Harmail Gill as he left Southampton Crown Court on the day Digwa was jailed for life for murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak.

The following day, he confronted Mr Gill outside the neighbouring magistrates’ court.

On that occasion he filmed the encounter and posted it online, where it was seen by Mr Gill’s children and other members of his family.

Siobhan Linsley, prosecuting, told the crown court that Mr Gill was a Sikh of Asian appearance who represented clients of every ethnicity and background.

She said that on June 1 2026 he was leaving the court when the defendant started shouting abuse at him at the top of his voice.

The next day he called Mr Gill a “scumbag” and insulted the solicitor’s family in his own language – Punjabi – as he walked away from the magistrates court.

Referring to the type of knife Digwa was carrying when he stabbed Mr Nowak, the defendant told Mr Gill: “Go back to India and keep your kirpan at home”, the court heard.

Ms Linsley said the racial slurs caused the victim and his family “severe distress”.

Mr Gill’s victim impact statement said: “I was subjected to vile hate and abuse. I’m fearful this will happen again when I go to court, simply to do my job. I look over my shoulder every time I leave court as a result of what happened.”

Ms Linsley said the defendant had 11 convictions for 16 offences, including robbery, battery, and threats to kill.

Eastman-Baddams, 33, of Bellevue Road, Southampton, had previously pleaded guilty to racially aggravated public disorder.

Ryan Seneviratne, mitigating, said his client suffered from bipolar disorder and had a history of self-harm. He described the defendant’s behaviour as “unkind” and “distasteful”, but said he had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

He added that the shouting that occurred on June 1 was of a non-racial nature.

Judge William Mousley KC described the defendant’s behaviour towards the solicitor as an attack on the justice system. But he also referred to sentencing guidelines and that fact that Eastman-Baddams had already spent nine weeks in custody on remand.

The defendant was sentenced to 30 weeks in prison, suspended for one year.

He was also handed a three-year restraining order and banned from the area immediately outside the crown court and magistrates court.

Daily Echo

A Southampton man has become the 34th person to be charged following the protests that erupted after the murder of Henry Nowak.

Peter Black, 46, of Waterhouse Lane, was arrested on July 23 and subsequently charged with violent disorder.

Police say he appeared at Southampton Magistrates Court on July 24 and admitted the offence.

Black was remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Crown Court on August 14, when he is due to be sentenced.

Many other defendants have already appeared in court and been jailed for their part in the unrest that broke out in city on June 2.

Anger erupted after police bodyworn video showed Henry being arrested and handcuffed as he lay dying in the street.

The 18-year-old University of Southampton student told police he had been stabbed and could not breathe.

But he was detained after officers believed the lies told by his murderer, Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed that Henry had racially abused and assaulted him.

About 1,000 people attended a protest outside Southampton Central Police Station the day after Digwa was jailed for at least 21 years.

Southampton Crown Court has heard that the protest turned violent later in the evening after between 600 and 700 people marched towards Portswood amid shouts of “Do you want the house?” – a reference to the Digwa family home on St Denys Road.

After heading for Portswood police station they descended on Belmont Road – the scene of Mr Nowak’s death – where “significant” disorder boke out.

Police came under almost constant threat from projectiles, with some officers surrounded as they attempted to disperse the crowd. Residents were left trapped in their homes as violent scenes unfolded outside.

A total of 12 officers were injured, largely from bricks being thrown, while two police vehicles and at least two cars belonging to residents were damaged.

As reported, two police officers are under investigation for potential misconduct after allegedly failing to recognise that Henry needed urgent medical treatment in the moments before his death.

After studying the evidence and representations from his family, the Independent Office for Police Conduct IOPC said the officers, who were the first to arrive at the scene on December 3, 2025, may have breached police professional standards of duties, responsibilities, use of force and discreditable conduct.

One of the officers is also being investigated after appearing to dismiss Henry’s repeated claims that he had been stabbed.

Daily Echo

Man who drank 12 cans of beer jailed as four others appear in court over protests
Mariusz Szczyglo (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

A man who drank 12 cans of beer before joining in with the violence over Henry Nowak’s murder has been jailed along with two others.

Mariusz Szczyglo, 45, of Grove Road in Southampton has been jailed for two years and six months for his role in the violence on June 2 at Southampton Crown Court on July 29.

The court heard how the Polish national was walking home from Sainsbury’s after buying more alcohol when he couldn’t get through the disorder so decided to join in.

The court heard from Ms Siobhan Linsley, prosecuting, that he threw bricks and cans at the cordon and pushed his way to the front of the protests where he pushed police riot shields.

Mr Khalid Missouri, defending, said: “He has no strong views either way about the situation surrounding Henry Nowak or Vickrum Digwa and his family.

“He was just going to Sainsbury’s to get more alcohol.”

Four more men also appeared in court yesterday for their part in the disorder which saw a group of around 150 people clash with police on June 2 a day after Henry Nowak’s murderer, Vickrum Digwa was jailed.

Allan Harcourt, 47, of Landguard Road in Southampton was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for his role in the protests.

Sentencing Harcourt, Judge William Mousley KC said: “You were wearing a union jack around your neck aggressively confronting police officers demanding to know if they were racist.

He also threw a brick at the cordon.

Juliet Osborne, defending, added that Harcourt was in “active alcohol addiction” during the protests and has since detoxed from alcohol.

Jarrad Wareham, 19, of Tatwin Crescent in Southampton received a sentence of 22 months imprisonment for launching two bottles at police.

Sentencing Wareham, Judge Mousley said: “You thought it was funny and you of your group of associates were all encouraging each other.”

Ms Linsley stated Wareham has four previous convictions relating to eight offences including affray, robbery and burglary.

Ms Laura Duff, defending, said a custodial sentence “can only be a negative thing for him”.

Andrew Riddett, 38, of Seacome Green was denied bail after the court heard how he spat blood at police officers during the protests.

Riddett is yet to enter a plea for his role in the violence.

Ms Linsley, prosecuting, told the court that Riddett was “a leading participant” in the clash between protestors and police in St Denys Road.

The court heard how Riddett spat blood at the police officers in the cordon and referred to one of the police officers as a racial slur.

The court also heard how Riddett, who was riding a bike at the time, fell off causing the injury and bleeding to his face.

Ms Keely Harvey, defending, told the court he had been attending the protests with his son who was imploring his father to calm down.

The court heard how on one occasion during the protests when Riddett was yelling at a female police officer his son told him, “come on dad we don’t talk to or treat women this way.”

On deciding to not grant bail for Riddett, who was not present in court, Judge Mousley KC said: “There is substantial grounds to believe if he was released on bail we would fail to surrender when recalled.”

Riddett is now due in Southampton Crown Court on September 4.

Jordan Hambleton appeared in court charged with violent disorder relating to the protests.

The court heard that on June 2, Hambleton threw an e-scooter in the direction of the police cordon which collided with an observer who suffered a fractured jaw.

Hambleton, 19, of Rollesbrook Gardens in Southampton also faces one charge of robbery, one charge of possessing an article with a blade or point and one charge of threatening another with a bladed article relating to a separate incident on June 3.

He pleaded guilty to the charges of robbery and possession but not guilty to the charge of threatening another.

Hambleton was remanded in custody and ordered to return to court for sentence along with committal for trial or sentence on September 4.

Daily Echo

A man who threw an “unidentified item” at police during the protests following the murder of Henry Nowak has been handed a suspended sentence.

Riley Hawkins, 18, of Oxford Road, Southampton was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday, July 28.

During the protests on St Denys Road on June 2, 12 police officers were injured, property was damaged and residents were terrorised.

Sentencing Hawkins, Judge William Mousley KC said: “Your involvement in this was to be near the cordon in St Denys Road you were with someone else.

He added: “During that time, you threw a large item, not identified, towards the police cordon.

“You were subsequently identified, arrested and questioned by police.

“You denied having thrown anything despite being shown the footage.”

The court was shown a video of the protest during which Hawkins can be seen launching the item in the direction of the police while the mob were jeering at a helicopter.

The court also heard how Hawkins admitted to smoking cannabis before the protest but said this did not affect his behaviour.

Ms Siobhan Linsley, prosecuting said: “Once the crowd built up in front of the police cordon, he was captured on footage throwing a large unidentified item towards police.”

She added that Hawkins was arrested on June 29 and that during a police interview he said, “I didn’t throw nothing”.

Ms Audrey Archer, defending, said: “This defendant would benefit from the rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) of some 30 days.

“He is eager to uptake that type of involvement with the probation service and is grateful for it.”

She added: “He was contacted by the King’s Trust to engage with positive activities and meaningful work going forward.”

He has also completed a cannabis awareness course since his arrest.

Deciding on a suspended sentence, Judge Mousley KC said: “You had no previous convictions, and I have read about the disruption you have experienced during your life so far.

“Your neurodiversity and associated problems and borderline mental health disorders are mitigating factors.”

Hawkins was also fined £500 and was given a RAR of up to 30 days.

Judge Mousley reminded Hawkins that if he commits a criminal offence, fails to pay the fine or breaches his RAR he will be brought before the courts again.

Vickrum Digwa received life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of Henry Nowak while his mum, Kiran Kaur, received a three year sentence for assisting the murderer.

A total of 33 people have been charged as a result of violent disorder in the protests which took place on June 2.

The protests began at Southampton Central Police Station before heading to St Denys Road in Portswood, close to the site where Henry Nowak was murdered and the Digwa family home.

During the protests items were thrown at police including bricks, bottles and others as well as a bin being set on fire and pushed towards the police cordon.

Daily Echo

Exclusive: Hampshire police data reveals 22 of 37 detained had been accused or convicted of intimate partner violence

Most people arrested during violent protests after the sentencing of Henry Nowak’s murderer had previously been reported to the police for domestic abuse, the Guardian can disclose.

Data released by Hampshire police under freedom of information laws shows that 22 of 37 people (59%) detained in Southampton after Vickrum Digwa was jailed for life have been reported for crimes associated with intimate partner violence.

Protests took place on 2 June after police bodycam footage was released showing Nowak, 18, handcuffed as he lay dying after being stabbed by Digwa, who had falsely accused him of racism. Nowak repeatedly said he had been stabbed.

Digwa stabbed Nowak with a large blade he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith, before falsely telling police he had been the victim of a racist attack, leading officers to initially arrest the white teenager rather than his killer.

The footage led to claims from Nigel Farage and others that it was evidence of “two-tier policing” and “anti-white prejudice” within police forces.

Demonstrators initially gathered outside a city centre police station, with several hundred people then attempting to march towards the murder location and the street where Digwa’s family lived. During prolonged violent disorder, 12 police officers were injured, and nearby properties and vehicles were damaged.

Harry Varney, 34, claimed he attended the public gathering to pay his respects to Nowak, but was later filmed swearing at police and punching their riot shields. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

In 2023, he pleaded guilty to assault by beating after pinning his partner against a bedroom wall, bruising her neck. He claimed she deserved to be beaten by a previous abusive ex-partner and continued to threaten her after this attack.

She said in a written statement read out in court: “I suffer with flashbacks, anxiety attacks and nightmares. I also now struggle with my social life trusting people. I can’t be left alone with a man without feeling scared.”

Dillon Crawford, 29, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after throwing a brown bin and a metal chair “with some force” at police officers during the disturbances. He has 19 previous convictions, including for domestic abuse offences. During one incident, he broke a partner’s front teeth, punching her unconscious, and, after she woke up, told her he had put bleach in her hair.

Andrew Summerhayes, 38, was seen throwing a wheelie bin at police during the disorder. He was sentenced to three years and two months for violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Hampshire police confirmed that 33 people had now been charged for their involvement in the public disorder. The force has referred itself to the police watchdog, with two officers who attended the scene being investigated for potential gross misconduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The investigation is considering potential failures to identify that Nowak needed urgent medical help and the decision to arrest and handcuff him before providing first aid.

The Guardian previously revealed that two out of every five arrested for participating in riots in 2024 had been the subject of a domestic abuse report before their involvement, with one in five subsequently being reported for domestic abuse.

Farah Nazeer, the chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “Over the last two years, we have seen recurrent anti-migrant protests that have erupted into violence, with many of those arrested also carrying convictions for domestic abuse or other crimes against women and girls. It is not surprising that someone who is violent in public may also be violent at home, as there is a proven correlation between the two.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Violence against women and girls is a national emergency. We will continue to deploy the full power of the state to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent harm before it occurs.

“Our violence against women and girls strategy sets out how we will pursue and manage domestic abuse perpetrators, including through the rollout of new domestic abuse protection orders.”

The Guardian

Robert Scott admitted theft and criminal damage at Liverpool Crown Court

A man who stole a Deliveroo bag during an anti-migrant protest incriminated himself by posting a picture of it on his Facebook.

Robert Scott, 47, was accused of taking the bag from a rider’s bicycle during a Liverpool city centre protest following a stabbing in Belfast.

Scott, of Stanley Road in Bootle, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday charged with theft of the bag; burglary of a dwelling with intent to cause criminal damage; and criminal damage. Appearing from HMP Liverpool via video link, Scott entered guilty pleas to theft and criminal damage.

The court heard the criminal damage related to the front door of the Richmond Hotel on Hatton Garden, which houses asylum seekers. The cost of the damage amounted to £240, the court heard.

Scott denied the burglary count after asking the judge: “I thought I was just getting done for criminal damage?” Caleb Suggitt, prosecuting, told the court that the Crown Prosecution Service would not be seeking a trial on the charge and it was ordered to lie on the file.

Following Scott’s guilty pleas we can now reveal that the day after the protest he posted a picture of the stolen Deliveroo bag on his Facebook page.

The bag had been plastered with pictures of Henry Nowak – the murdered Southampton student whose death prompted a wave of protests after police officers handcuffed him while dying – and a sticker which said: “Save our kids – security in schools.”

Scott’s picture was accompanied by the status: “Save our kids. Justice for Henry.”

Scott also posted a picture of a man, believed to be himself, with an emoji covering his face and the Deliveroo bag slung over his shoulder, clutching a cardboard sign which said: “Liverpool stands with Belfast.”

He also videoed the initial part of the protest on the steps outside St George’s Hall, showing several dozen people and a number of flags, before turning the camera on himself. He had his face covered but was wearing the same Nike cap as the man in the picture holding the bag and sign.

Judge Ian Unsworth KC, presiding, adjourned the case to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He told the defendant, who wore a grey Berghaus t-shirt and sported a shaved head: “Please do not read anything into the fact I have ordered the report.”

The judge told Scott: “This is plainly a serious matter,” before remanding him in custody to appear for sentence on August 13.

The ECHO previously reported that a crowd of 100 to 150 protesters gathered from around 7pm on June 9 before moving to other locations in the city centre. The protest was the day after a violent incident in Belfast which saw a suspect of Sudanese descent ultimately charged with attempted murder after a man was repeatedly stabbed.

During the evening, doors and windows were damaged at the Richmond Hotel and it was reported that a group of people had been chased down Dale Street while being verbally abused. The ECHO understands the protesters shouted “you’re going back home” towards takeaway delivery riders.

Liverpool command unit commander Natalie Perischine previously said: “Our officers respect the right of individuals to peacefully gather and express their views in accordance with the law, however, we will never tolerate any type of racism, violence or criminality on our streets.”

Scott’s social media shows significant anti-migrant and “anti-establishment” sentiment with posts including statements such as “no more illegals”, “raise the colours”, “never trust a copper” and “save our kids”.

Scott’s Facebook also showed he had said he was attending a protest outside Merseyside Police’s St Anne Street station the previous week in memory of Mr Nowak.

The 18-year-old’s case sparked outrage and protests after the release of police body-worn video which showed the student being placed in handcuffs moments before he became unconscious and subsequently died. His murderer, Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life to serve a minimum of 21 years.

Liverpool Echo

Six more men have been charged in connection with violent disorder that erupted in Southampton following a protest over the murder of student Henry Nowak.

The latest cases mean that 33 have now been charged, with Hampshire police saying they are continuing to pursue those involved.

Those who have already been put in front of the judge at Southampton Crown Court have seen prison sentences as long as three and a half years.

Now police have confirmed new charges.

Noah Barker, 19, of Derby Road, Southampton, has been charged with violent disorder and was remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court today, July 13.

Joshua Quinn, 29, of Sayers Road, Bishopstoke, has also been charged with violent disorder. He was remanded in custody and appeared before Southampton Magistrates’ Court on July 11.

Mark Gray, 25, of Mansbridge Road, Southampton, appeared before magistrates on July 7 charged with violent disorder. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on August 4 for a plea hearing.

Three other men have already admitted violent disorder.

Allan Harcourt, 47, of Landguard Road, Southampton, appeared before magistrates on July 6, where he admitted violent disorder. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on July 29.

Jarrad Wareham, 19, of Tatwin Crescent, Southampton, also admitted violent disorder when he appeared before magistrates on July 6. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Southampton Crown Court on July 29.

Riley Hawkins, 18, of Oxford Road, Southampton, admitted violent disorder when he appeared before magistrates on June 20. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on July 28.

Around 1,000 people gathered for a protest following public anger over the murder of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak and criticism of the police response to the incident.

As the evening progressed, violence flared, with bottles and other objects thrown at officers. Hampshire Constabulary said makeshift weapons were used and homes and vehicles belonging to residents were damaged.

Eleven police officers and one police dog were injured during the disorder.

Daily Echo