A 36-year-old man has pleaded guilty to violent disorder after throwing a frying pan at police during a protest in Southampton following the murder of student Henry Nowak.
Incident Details
Ryan Atkinson, of Highcliff Avenue, Southampton, entered his plea at Southampton Magistrates' Court, becoming the 22nd person charged in connection with the protests.
District Judge Henry Gordon stated that Atkinson had "picked up a large frying pan and launched it at police" during the disorder.
Court Proceedings
The judge remanded Atkinson in custody to be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on June 29, citing "substantial grounds" that he would reoffend if granted bail.
So far, 10 individuals have been jailed following the demonstration, which began outside Southampton Central Police Station on June 2. The protest involved approximately 1,000 people, with hundreds moving to the Portswood area where Mr. Nowak was killed and violence erupted.
Background
Anger intensified after police body-worn video footage showed Mr. Nowak being handcuffed moments before losing consciousness and dying. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years for his murder.
The court heard that 13 police officers and a police dog were injured during the protest, and a member of the public suffered a broken jaw.
Police Operation and Costs
The police operation involved 100 officers from nine different areas, costing £443,000, with an additional £7,000 for clean-up by the local council.
Four more men are scheduled to be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Friday for their roles in the disorder.
