A 36-year-old man has admitted to violent disorder after throwing a frying pan at police during a protest in Southampton that followed the murder of student Henry Nowak. Ryan Atkinson, of Highcliff Avenue, Southampton, entered his guilty plea at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, becoming the 22nd person charged in connection with the demonstrations.
Details of the Attack
District Judge Henry Gordon stated that Atkinson had “picked up a large frying pan and launched it at police” amid the disorder. The judge remanded Atkinson into custody, with sentencing scheduled for June 29 at Southampton Crown Court. He noted substantial grounds to believe Atkinson would reoffend if granted bail.
Protest Background
The protest began on June 2 outside Southampton Central Police Station, drawing around 1,000 people. Violence erupted after police released body-worn video footage showing Nowak being handcuffed shortly before losing consciousness and dying. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was later sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for Nowak’s murder.
During the unrest, 13 police officers and a police dog were injured, and a member of the public suffered a broken jaw. The court heard that the police operation involved 100 officers from nine areas, costing £443,000, with an additional £7,000 for cleanup by the local council.
Legal Proceedings
To date, 10 individuals have been jailed for their roles in the demonstration. Four more men are set to be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Friday for their involvement in the disorder.
