Vickrum Digwa Appeals Conviction and Sentence for Henry Nowak's Murder

The man convicted of murdering Henry Nowak, Vickrum Digwa, is appealing his conviction and sentence, as confirmed by the Court of Appeal on Friday. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years in June 2026 for the fatal stabbing of the 18-year-old student in Southampton last December.

Background of the Case

Henry Nowak, a student at the University of Southampton, was murdered by Digwa, who initially lied to police, claiming he was the victim of a racist attack. The incident has drawn significant public attention, especially after the release of police body-worn footage showing officers failing to provide first aid to Nowak as he lay dying.

After the sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, Henry's father, Mark Nowak, expressed his anguish over the contrasting treatment of his son and the murderer, describing it as "unbearable." Digwa was additionally sentenced for carrying a knife in public.

Public Reaction and Protests

The case has sparked outrage, leading to protests in Southampton on June 2, 2026, following the release of the police footage. Demonstrators gathered outside the city center police station and later moved towards the Digwa family home. The protests resulted in injuries to twelve police officers and a police dog, with seventeen individuals jailed for their involvement.

Leaders within Southampton's Sikh community called for peace, condemning both Digwa's actions and the violence that erupted during the protests. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating two officers for potential gross misconduct in their handling of the situation, particularly regarding their failure to recognize the urgency of medical assistance for Nowak.

Ongoing Investigations and Future Proceedings

As Digwa's appeal progresses, no date has been set for the hearing. The Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves, has referred the case to the Court of Appeal, describing the sentence as "unduly lenient." Meanwhile, Digwa's mother, Kiran Kaur, faces sentencing on July 17 for her role in assisting an offender by attempting to conceal the weapon used in the attack.

The investigation continues into the actions of the police officers involved, with scrutiny over whether race or religion influenced their decisions during the critical moments following the stabbing.