Four plead guilty to violent disorder after protests over Henry Nowak's murder

Four men have pleaded guilty to violent disorder during protests in Southampton sparked by the murder of Henry Nowak.

They were among six more people charged after clashes erupted on Tuesday evening between officers and protesters, who were demonstrating against the way police handled the case.

Anger erupted after police body-worn video footage was released following the trial showing 18-year-old student Mr Nowak being handcuffed after his killer Vickrum Digwa, 23, falsely claimed he was racially abused.

Harry Varney, 34, Dillon Crawford, 29, both of Southampton, Taylor Grundy, 22, of Gosport and Andrew Summerhayes, 38, of Romsey, all admitted violent disorder at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Summerhayes also pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in public.

Prosecutor Robert Salame told the court Crawford used "large items including bins and chairs" against police officers, while Summerhayes was alleged to have thrown items including bins at police officers.

Mr Salame said Varney refused to move when asked by police officers and pushing against their shields.

The prosecutor said Grundy wheeled a "large, industrial bin" in the direction of police officers.

In a separate hearing, Kevin Reeves, 31, and Andrew Riddett, 38, both of Southampton, did not enter pleas to violent disorder charges.

All six were remanded in custody ahead of their appearance at Southampton Crown Court on Wednesday.

Mr Nowak, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, was stabbed to death on 3 December 2025 while walking home after a night out with friends in Southampton.

Digwa was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years on Monday for murdering the university student with a ceremonial knife with an eight-inch (21cm) blade, which he claimed he carried for his Sikh religion.

Digwa falsely told police at the scene he had been racially abused, prompting officers to handcuff the teenager as he lay dying. Police ignored Mr Nowak's pleas that he could not breathe.

On Friday, three people pleaded guilty to violent disorder after the protests in Southampton.

(c) Sky News 2026: Four plead guilty to violent disorder after protests over Henry Nowak's murder