Southampton protest: Two men jailed for violent disorder after Henry Nowak sentencing

Two men were sentenced for violent disorder during a protest in Southampton that followed the sentencing of Henry Nowak’s killer. Connor Bishop, 24, of Southampton, received a two‑year‑eight‑month term after he was caught on police body‑cam footage throwing a yellow traffic cone at officers. Leon O’Leary, 41, of Basingstoke, was jailed for three years and one month after he threw a smoke grenade at police and was found in possession of a samurai sword, which he said was a decorative item.

The demonstration, attended by an estimated 1,000 people, erupted outside Southampton central police station after the murder sentencing. Far‑right activist Stephen Yaxley‑Lennon (Tommy Robinson) was among the crowd. The clashes left 11 officers injured and 21 people have been charged in connection with the disorder. Henry Nowak, the 18‑year‑old victim, had been stabbed to death, and his father condemned what he described as “inhumane” police treatment of his son while he was dying.

Prosecutors highlighted the aggressive behaviour of protesters, including the use of makeshift projectiles such as bricks, bins and an e‑scooter. Both men admitted to violent disorder, and the sentences reflect the seriousness of the offences amid heightened tensions over police conduct.