Vickrum Digwa, 23, has been sentenced to a life term with a minimum of 20 years before potential release for the murder of 18-year-old white teenager Henry Nowak. The ruling follows a case in which Digwa falsely claimed Nowak was racist and launched a violent attack, leading police to initially believe him and arrest the killer while he bled to death.
Digwa stabbed Nowak five times with a large Sikh dagger during the incident in Southampton, England. At trial, Digwa asserted self-defense, alleging Nowak was drunk and had initiated a racist assault. However, sentencing judge William Mousley declared these claims were lies.
The murder occurred after Digwa made false accusations of racism against Nowak, prompting responding police officers to arrest him while he was bleeding. During his final moments, Digwa reportedly said, “Please, brother, I can’t breathe.” The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the officers’ conduct. Judge Mousley noted that while Henry was complaining about being stabbed and struggling to breathe, this would not necessarily have communicated the severity of the incident to the officers, suggesting punishment may not be forthcoming.
Henry Nowak’s family called for a transparent investigation following Digwa’s sentencing, highlighting the stark contrast in treatment between the victim and the accused. “Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody. The way he was treated was inhumane and degrading,” said Nowak’s father, Mark.
Mark added that Digwa was believed by authorities and was never handcuffed during arrest or transport. According to the family, Digwa even received the courtesy of being taken to a kitchen to choose his food while under arrest for Henry’s murder. “The contrast is unbearable,” Mark stated.
During sentencing, Judge Mousley told Digwa: “You have brought shame on your family, your community and your religion.”
