Additional Charge After Southampton Protest Violence
A man has been charged in connection with violent incidents during protests in Southampton concerning the murder of student Henry Nowak.
The protests followed the release of police bodycam footage depicting 18-year-old Nowak being handcuffed after he was stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, 23, who has been sentenced for the murder.
Ryan Atkinson, 36, from Southampton, has been charged with violent disorder. He is scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court shortly.
Details of the Protest and Violence
On 2 June, a crowd initially demonstrated at the city centre police station before moving near the residence of Digwa's family. During this gathering, violence erupted, resulting in injuries to 12 police officers and a police dog. Objects such as wheelie bins and chairs were thrown at law enforcement.
Hampshire Police reported that the total number of protesters charged so far has reached 22.
Additionally, 12 individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in the disorder.
Family Response and Background
Nowak's family has publicly condemned the violent events in Southampton.
The 18-year-old, originally from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was fatally stabbed in Southampton in December by Digwa, who falsely alleged racial abuse.
Nowak was a first-year accountancy and finance student at the University of Southampton.
