Most individuals arrested during violent protests following the sentencing of Henry Nowak’s murderer in Southampton had previously been reported for domestic abuse, according to data released by Hampshire police. Of the 37 people detained in connection with the disorder on June 2, 22, or 59%, had prior reports related to intimate partner violence.
The protests erupted after the release of police bodycam footage showing Nowak, 18, handcuffed and lying injured after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa. Nowak repeatedly informed officers that he had been stabbed. Digwa wielded a large blade he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith and initially misled police by alleging that he had been the victim of a racist attack by Nowak. This false claim resulted in officers arresting Nowak, a white teenager, before identifying Digwa as the attacker.
The footage and initial police response sparked allegations of “two-tier policing” and racial bias from figures including Nigel Farage. Demonstrators initially gathered outside a Southampton police station and then attempted to march toward the location where the stabbing occurred and the residence of Digwa’s family. The unrest resulted in injuries to 12 police officers and damage to nearby properties and vehicles.
Among those arrested, two individuals received prison sentences for their roles in the disorder. Harry Varney, 34, who had attended the event to pay respects to Nowak but was filmed swearing at officers and striking riot shields, was sentenced to three years. He has a documented history of domestic abuse, including an incident last year in which he assaulted his partner, causing bruising and ongoing psychological trauma.
Dillon Crawford, 29, also sentenced to three years, was convicted after throwing objects such as a metal chair at police. He has a lengthy criminal record, including multiple domestic abuse offenses, with one case involving severe physical assault on a partner.
Hampshire police have referred the Nowak case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The ongoing investigation is examining whether officers failed to provide timely medical aid to Nowak and whether the decision to arrest and handcuff him before offering first aid was appropriate. At present, 33 people have been formally charged for their involvement in the disturbances.
Experts and officials have noted a broader connection between public violence and domestic abuse. Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, highlighted a pattern in which individuals involved in anti-migrant protests that escalated into violence also tend to have histories of offenses against women and girls. She remarked that it is not unexpected for persons who are violent publicly to also exhibit violence in domestic settings.
A Home Office spokesperson affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing violence against women and girls, describing it as a national emergency. The spokesperson outlined ongoing strategies to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent harm, including measures such as the introduction of new domestic abuse protection orders.