Romsey man among six charged after Southampton protest violence
Six individuals face violent disorder and weapons charges following chaotic protests in Southampton over the police handling of Henry Nowak’s case. Five have already appeared in court, while the sixth is due Saturday as tensions escalate.
Six people have been charged in connection with violent clashes that erupted in Southampton this week after police released bodycam footage showing officers detaining Henry Nowak, who later died from stab wounds. Andrew Summerhayes, 38, from Banning Street in Romsey, is among those accused of violent disorder and carrying offensive weapons in public. His arrest follows a pattern of escalating unrest that has gripped the city since the footage’s release.
Summerhayes faces two counts of possessing an offensive weapon alongside the violent disorder charge, making him the only non-Southampton resident among the accused. The other five defendants—Kevin Reeves, 31, of Portswood Road; Andrew Riddett, 38, of Seacombe Green; Harry Varney, 34, of Briarswood; Dillon Crawford, 29, of Wilton Avenue; and Taylor Grundy, 22, of Pavilion Way, Gosport—are all from the local area. Each has been remanded in custody ahead of their court appearance on Saturday, June 6, at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.
Key Points
- ✅ Six individuals charged with violent disorder and weapons offenses
- ⚡ Andrew Summerhayes is the only defendant from outside Southampton
- 💡 All six will appear in court on June 6
The charges stem from protests that turned violent after police released footage of Nowak’s arrest. Nowak, who was fatally stabbed on May 28, had been in police custody when the footage was taken, sparking outrage among demonstrators who accused authorities of excessive force. Five of the defendants have already appeared in court, with three pleading guilty to violent disorder and one admitting to both violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Only Matt Styler, 50, of Orange Grove, Gosport, has denied assaulting a police sergeant during the unrest.
| Defendant | Age | Address | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Summerhayes | 38 | Banning Street, Romsey | Violent disorder, 2x possession of offensive weapon |
| Kevin Reeves | 31 | Portswood Road, Southampton | Violent disorder |
| Andrew Riddett | 38 | Seacombe Green, Southampton | Violent disorder |
| Harry Varney | 34 | Briarswood, Southampton | Violent disorder |
| Dillon Crawford | 29 | Wilton Avenue, Southampton | Violent disorder |
| Taylor Grundy | 22 | Pavilion Way, Gosport | Violent disorder |
The protests have drawn condemnation from local leaders, including Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner, who described the violence as unacceptable. Meanwhile, community groups have called for calm, emphasizing that Nowak’s family deserves justice without further unrest. The case has reignited debates about police conduct and transparency, with calls for an independent review of Nowak’s death.
💡 Pro Tip
If attending public demonstrations, document interactions with authorities and avoid carrying items that could be misconstrued as weapons to prevent escalation.
As tensions remain high, authorities are bracing for potential further unrest ahead of the court hearings. The six defendants’ next appearance will be closely watched, with legal experts predicting heightened security measures at the courthouse. The case has also prompted soul-searching within Southampton’s policing strategy, as officials seek to balance public safety with community trust.
📋 By The Numbers
- 1 — Henry Nowak’s age at the time of the stabbing
- May 28 — Date of Nowak’s fatal stabbing
- June 6 — Next court date for the six defendants
The violent disorder charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison, while possession of an offensive weapon can result in up to four years. The assault charge against Styler, if proven, could lead to an additional custodial sentence. Legal analysts suggest the case may hinge on whether prosecutors can prove intent and coordination among the defendants during the protests.
- 📊 Protests escalated within hours of the bodycam footage’s release
- 🔍 Three defendants have already pleaded guilty to violent disorder
- ⚠️ One defendant denies assaulting a police sergeant, adding complexity to the case
As the legal process unfolds, Southampton’s Sikh community has amplified calls for accountability, citing Nowak’s background and the broader implications of police violence. The protests, though localized, have resonated across Hampshire, with vigils and solidarity marches planned in the coming days. Authorities are urging the public to remain peaceful while investigations into Nowak’s death continue.