Vickrum Digwa, who murdered 18-year-old student Henry Nowak in Southampton during December 2025, has been granted permission to challenge the length of his life sentence. Digwa was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years in June 2026. He will now have the opportunity to present his case at the Court of Appeal on 5 November.
The appeal process will involve two separate proceedings. Digwa's legal team will argue that his sentence is too severe, while simultaneously, the Court of Appeal will consider a referral from the Attorney General's office, which contends that the sentence was insufficiently harsh. Additionally, Digwa has filed a separate application to appeal against his murder conviction itself, which will be determined independently.
What led to the conviction?
Digwa fatally stabbed Nowak, who was from Chafford Hundred in Essex, during an incident in Southampton. Following the attack, Digwa provided a false account to police, claiming that he had been the victim of a racist assault. A jury rejected this defence during trial, with prosecutors establishing that the claim was fabricated. Digwa was also convicted of carrying a knife in public—a 21-centimetre blade—though he had argued in court that possession of the weapon was consistent with his Sikh faith.
What concerns have emerged about the police response?
Body-worn camera footage released after the incident revealed serious failings in the police response to Nowak's injuries. Officers failed to provide first aid and instead placed handcuffs on Nowak as he lay dying, despite his repeated statements that he could not breathe. These actions triggered significant public outcry and prompted formal investigations into police conduct.
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the investigation has expanded following discussions with Nowak's family, who lodged formal complaints against the force. The inquiry is now examining control-room decisions and whether considerations of race or religion influenced the officers' actions. The IOPC indicated that the two officers who first attended the scene may have breached standards concerning duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct, though it stressed that gross-misconduct notices do not automatically lead to disciplinary proceedings.
What happened during the subsequent protests?
The case sparked significant public demonstrations in Southampton on 2 June. Protesters initially gathered outside the city centre police station before moving toward an area near both the Digwa family residence and the location where the murder occurred. During these demonstrations, twelve police officers and a police dog sustained injuries. In the aftermath, more than 30 individuals have been charged with violent disorder in connection with the incident.
How has the case affected the Sikh community?
Sikh community leaders have documented what they describe as a "backlash" and a rise in "hate crime" directed at their community following the case. These reports highlight the broader social tensions that have emerged from the incident and its aftermath.
What is the legal process going forward?
On 15 June 2026, former Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The Court of Appeal will determine whether to increase, reduce, or uphold Digwa's sentence, with his legal team arguing that it is too stringent while the Attorney General maintains that it is too lenient. A full inquest into Nowak's death is scheduled to take place in Winchester during 2027.
Key Facts
- Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum 21-year term for the murder of Henry Nowak in June 2026
- The Court of Appeal hearing is scheduled for 5 November, with both Digwa's appeal against sentence length and the Attorney General's challenge to the leniency of the sentence to be considered
- Body-worn footage revealed that police failed to provide first aid and handcuffed Nowak while he was dying and stating he could not breathe
- More than 30 people have been charged with violent disorder following protests in Southampton on 2 June
- A full inquest into Nowak's death is due to be held in Winchester in 2027
