Bricklayer jailed after lobbing bin at bystander during violent Henry Nowak disorder in Southampton

Bricklayer jailed after lobbing bin at bystander during violent Henry Nowak disorder in Southampton 10 men have been jailed so far over the disorder that saw police officers attacked - Bookmark A bricklayer who threw a bin at a bystander during a demonstration in Southampton over the murder of student Henry Nowak is among the latest protesters to have been jailed. Darren Medhurst, 36, was jailed for three years and three months at Southampton Crown Court along with Callum Darch, 27, and Harley Haynes, 23, who were both imprisoned for two years and six months, all three for the offence of violent disorder. Tyler Burley, 18, of Southampton, had his case adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and he was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing on 30 June. Also, excavator driver Kamil Klonek, 33, of Southampton, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder including throwing a beer can during the protest and he was remanded in custody until his trial set to start on 30 November. A total of 21 people have been charged with violent disorder following a demonstration of around 1,000 people outside central Southampton police station at 6pm on 2 June to protest against the circumstances around Mr Nowak’s death and the actions of police. Anger had erupted after police body-worn video was released showing Mr Nowak being placed in handcuffs moments before he became unconscious and subsequently died. The court has heard that 13 police officers and a police dog were injured and a member of the public suffered a broken jaw in the violence which happened when hundreds continued the protest which moved to the street where Mr Nowak was killed. Vickrum Digwa, 23, who lived in a nearby road with his family, was jailed for life to serve a minimum of 21 years for his murder. The police operation involved 100 officers from nine different areas with a cost of £443,000 and a clean-up cost to the local council of £7,000, the court heard. Edward Culver, prosecuting, told the court that a police officer involved in the operation described the protesters as treating the disorder as a “party or blood-sport” and they feared “someone could be killed”. Mr Culver said that Darch, who works as a bricklayer, was shown in video footage to throw a bin, which hit a passer-by, during a period in the disorder when a group of police officers were surrounded by protesters. He said that when the defendant was shown the footage in police interview “he got upset and asked for a break”. The prosecutor added that Darch had 10 convictions for 24 offences including assaulting a police officer, possessing an offensive weapon, possessing cocaine and driving offences. Rebecca McKnight, defending Darch, of Southampton, said: “To say he is disappointed in himself and embarrassed at his actions is frankly an understatement, he is extremely remorseful.” She said he had overcome a previous drug problem to focus on bringing up his young son. Mr Culver said Medhurst had a “leading role” which included setting light to a commercial bin on wheels which was pushed towards the police cordon and throwing two items including a piece of tile as well as a can towards police. He added: “The police were not to know what was in that bin, there could have been aerosols or deodorants.” Mr Culver said Medhurst had 51 previous convictions for 91 offences including shoplifting, burglary, possession of class B drugs and criminal damage. Stephen Tricker, defending Medhurst, said that he suffered from epilepsy and dyslexia and was the primary carer for his grandparents and aunt. He said Medhurst “apologises” for his actions, and added: “What had motivated Mr Medhurst to be there in the first instance was the release of the footage of the arrest of Henry Nowak.” Mr Culver said Haynes threw multiple items at police including a brick and glass that smashed as well as at a member of the public that was filming his actions. He said Haynes had nine convictions for 29 offences including theft, criminal damage, supplying cannabis and possessing ketamine. Elliott Wright, defending Haynes, said he had autism which meant he was “easily led” and had “difficulty regulating himself in charged situations”. He said: “This is a one-off, an impulsive decision, Mr Haynes did not set out to involve himself in violent disorder, he got caught up in it and behaved disgracefully and he accepts full responsibility.” Sentencing the three defendants, Judge William Mousley KC said: “I am quite satisfied that this offence is so serious only an immediate term of imprisonment can be applied.”