Vickrum Digwa Jailed for Southampton Student Henry Nowak Murder with 21cm Blade
Vickrum Digwa has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years, for the murder of student Henry Nowak. Digwa, aged 23, used a 21cm blade to stab Nowak, 18, as he walked home after a night out in Southampton on 3 December.
Police Conduct Under Scrutiny
Mark Nowak, the victim's father, expressed outrage over his son's treatment by police, who handcuffed Henry as he lay dying. Mr Nowak highlighted the stark contrast with Digwa, who he stated was not handcuffed. He has called for a "full, fearless and transparent" investigation into the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's handling of the incident. The force has since referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Prosecuting barrister Nicholas Lobbenberg KC detailed Digwa's "weapons obsession" and condemned his attempts to portray Nowak as a "racist, drunk, violent aggressor," exacerbating the family's grief. Digwa had initially lied to police, claiming he had been attacked and concealing Nowak's injuries, leading officers to initially restrain the victim before discovering his fatal wounds.
Dismissed Claims and Weapon Details
Judge William Mousley KC dismissed Digwa's claims of racial abuse and self-defence, stating his actions "stirred up racial tension in Southampton and across the country." The judge clarified that the blade used by Digwa was not a Kirpan, a religious Sikh knife, a point also made by the Sikh Federation. The Federation has criticised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for failing to clarify this during the trial, suggesting it has led to the community being "demonised."
More than 20 other weapons were found at Digwa's family home. His mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was convicted of assisting an offender for attempting to hide the murder weapon and is due to be sentenced on 17 July.
