Court of Appeal Increases Vickrum Digwa Minimum Sentence for Henry Nowak Murder to 25 Years

Vickrum Digwa, the individual convicted of murdering Henry Nowak, has seen his minimum prison sentence extended to 25 years following a ruling by the Court of Appeal. Judges determined that the original 20-year tariff, imposed by a Bristol Crown Court judge in September, was insufficiently stringent given the circumstances of the case.

Mr Nowak, aged 75, was tragically found deceased at his home in Bristol on 7th February, 2023. He had suffered multiple stab wounds. Digwa, 38, residing on Southmead Road, Bristol, admitted to manslaughter but denied murder. However, he was convicted of murder after a trial.

The Attorney General’s Office referred Digwa's initial sentence to the Court of Appeal, arguing it was unduly lenient. Concurrently, Digwa himself lodged a cross-appeal, seeking to reduce his minimum term. Both applications were considered by Lady Justice Macur, Mr Justice Lavender, and His Honour Judge Lodder KC during a hearing in London.

The appellate judges ultimately dismissed Digwa's attempt to reduce his sentence and instead increased the minimum term he must serve before being eligible for parole from 20 to 25 years. This adjustment underscores the judiciary's assessment of the gravity of the crime and the need for a more severe punitive measure.