A 36-year-old man has become the 22nd individual to be charged in connection with the violent disorder that erupted in Southampton last week following the murder of student Henry Nowak.
Ryan Atkinson, of Highcliff Avenue, Southampton, is scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court today, where he faces charges of violent disorder.
The charges stem from a massive June 2 demonstration that began with roughly 1,000 people gathering outside Southampton Central Police Station.
Public anger intensified following the release of police body-worn camera footage on the night the 18-year-old student was killed. The video showed Henry being placed in handcuffs moments before he lost consciousness and subsequently died.
Vickrum Digwa, a resident of a nearby street, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder.
While the protest began at the police station, hundreds of demonstrators later moved to the Portswood area - the site of Henry Nowak’s murder - where the situation escalated into widespread violence. Recent court hearings laid out the severe impact of the riots on the community and emergency services.
According to court disclosures, 13 police officers and one police dog were injured during the clashes. A member of the public also suffered a broken jaw.
A massive police operation was launched, drawing 100 officers from nine different regional forces.
The police operation has cost an estimated £443,000, while the local council incurred £7,000 in clean-up and repair costs.
To date, 10 individuals have already received prison sentences for their involvement in the unrest.
On Tuesday, Leon O’Leary, 41, of Basingstoke, was jailed for three years and one month for violent disorder, resisting arrest, and the possession of a samurai sword found in his bedroom.
Connor Bishop, 24, of Southampton, was also sentenced to two years and eight months for his role in the violent disorder.
On Wednesday, father-of-two Daniel Frost was sentenced to two years and four months for violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon, while 21-year-old Reece Robinson received a two-year sentence for violent disorder.
The judicial response is expected to continue swiftly, with four additional men scheduled to be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court later today (Friday, 12 June) for their roles in the disorder.
