The steady stream of arrests, convictions and prison sentences arising from the Southampton riots should send a clear message: violence, racism and mob rule have consequences.
The latest defendant to appear before the courts is Ryan Atkinson, 36, of Highcliff Avenue, Southampton, who has pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He becomes the 22nd person charged in connection with the unrest that followed the murder of teenager Henry Nowak.
Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard that Atkinson was actively involved in the disorder. District Judge Henry Gordon said he had “picked up a large frying pan and launched it at police” during the violence.
It would be comical if the circumstances were not so serious. Thirteen police officers were injured during the disorder. A police dog was hurt. A member of the public suffered a broken jaw. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money were spent restoring order. This was not a harmless protest that got out of hand. It was criminal behaviour that put lives at risk.
The judge’s decision to remand Atkinson into custody speaks volumes. Refusing bail, Judge Gordon said there were substantial grounds to believe he could commit further offences if released. He will now be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on 29 June.
The riots followed the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Earlier this month, Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted of the killing and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
Public anger intensified after police body-worn video footage emerged showing the dying teenager being handcuffed after Digwa falsely accused him of making racist remarks. The footage understandably raised difficult questions and emotions.
But there is a crucial distinction that too many people either ignored or deliberately chose to blur.
Anger is understandable. Violence is not.
The justice system had already done its job. Digwa was arrested, prosecuted, convicted and handed a life sentence. Justice was achieved through the courts, not through street violence.
Yet a minority chose another path.
What began as a protest involving around 1,000 people outside Southampton Central Police Station descended into disorder after a smaller group moved into Portswood. Instead of seeking accountability, they attacked police officers, damaged property and turned parts of the city into a battleground.
The financial cost alone has been staggering. The police operation involved around 100 officers drawn from nine different areas at a cost of £443,000. Southampton City Council faced additional clean-up costs of £7,000. Ultimately, ordinary taxpayers are left paying the bill for the actions of irresponsible individuals.
The events also exposed the ugly role that racism and prejudice can play in moments of public tension. Some sought to use a horrific murder committed by one individual as justification for hostility towards wider communities who bore no responsibility whatsoever for the crime.
That is not justice. It is collective blame, and collective blame has always been one of the hallmarks of racism.
The overwhelming majority of Southampton residents rejected that mentality. They mourned Henry Nowak, sympathised with his family and respected the legal process. They did not throw objects at police officers. They did not assault members of the public. They did not seek to settle grievances through intimidation and violence.
As the courts continue their work, there is every reason to welcome the fact that those responsible are being identified and prosecuted. Ten people have already been jailed. Twenty-two have now been charged. Four more men are due to be sentenced.
For those who believed they could hide within a crowd and escape accountability, the message is becoming clearer by the day.
The police are investigating. The courts are acting. The excuses are running out.
Ten jailed. Twenty-two charged.
If there are more offenders yet to face justice, then the public interest demands only one response: keep them coming.
