Havant man who threw stones at police in 'moment of madness' at Henry Nowak protest learns fate in court

A man who threw stones at police during the Henry Nowak protests was a victim of a “moment of madness”, a court was told.

Reece Robinson, 21 from Soberton Road, Havant, is one of three defendants from our area appearing at Southampton Crown Court today (Wednesday, June 10), having pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder. Noah Etherington, 18 from Rowbury Road, Havant, and Taylor Grundy, 22 from Gosport, are also due in the dock for the same offences.

The court heard how the protest was organised after Vikrum Digwa was sentenced for the murder of teenager Henry Nowak. Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years.

Officers who arrived on the scene after Digwa stabbed Mr Nowak with a 21cm blade initially arrested the 18-year-old instead, after Digwa told a “wicked lie” and told them he had been the victim of a racist attack.

Mr Nowak was in handcuffs when he collapsed and became unconscious, before dying despite first aid efforts.

Judge William Moulsey KC was told that once protesters reached Portswood, a speaker began talking about chasing Digwa’s family out of the city, with chants of “get them out”. Police went ahead and set up police cordons to protect residents in St Deny’s Road.

Robinson, who has no previous convictions, threw two stones. Prosecutor Siobhan Linsley said he threw these at the police cordon. Other protesters had brought glass bottles and bricks with them in carrier bags.

He was arrested at his home, where her told police “I didn’t really do much”. He gave “no comment” answers to police when interviewed.

In mitigation, Judge Mousley KC was told that Robinson pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, and is the only defendant related to the protests with a “clean record” - having never received so much as a parking ticket. He is not a member of any far-right groups and attended the protest out of curiosity, in a “moment of madness”.

Sentencing Robinson, he said: “This part of Portswood is a residential area for families, and also accommodation for vulnerable adults and children. A number of officers were surrounded and a significant disorder broke out, with makeshift projectiles such as bricks, bins and chairs being thrown.

“Officers maintained a line with riot shields; at different points of the disorder, the cordon moved up and down St Deny’s Road, coming under constant assault from projectiles as well as physical threats. Twelve police officers were injured, a police dog was attacked and injured, members of the public also.

“The disorder caused serious fear, distress and a genuine sense of danger to residents in the area, as well as significant damage to the public purse. There was some planning or pre-meditation to the disorder, which was also sustained.

“Individuals part of that violent crowd had plenty of opportunity to leave, or distance themselves, from the violence. Robinson, on your way home you decided to attend the demonstration.

“You were present throughout the violence, when you could have left at anytime. Instead, you removed your hi-vis tabbard, and used it to cover your face. You were at the front of the crowd, then bent down on two occasions to pick up stones or small pieces of brick, and threw them at officers.

“You have brought shame on your family.”

Robinson was sentenced to two years in prison.