Vickrum Digwa, 23, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa fatally stabbed Nowak with a large blade on December 3rd in Southampton. The incident occurred as Nowak was walking home alone after a night out with friends.

Digwa claimed he was racially abused by Nowak and acted in self-defense, stating he carried the 21cm blade as part of his Sikh faith. However, Judge William Mousley KC dismissed these claims, ruling that Digwa's actions stirred up racial tension and brought shame upon his family and religion. The judge emphasized that Digwa was sober and intentionally carrying the weapon.

Bodycam footage released by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, with the family's permission, captured the immediate aftermath of the stabbing. Officers arrived to find Nowak on the ground, repeatedly saying, "I've been stabbed and I can't breathe." The footage shows officers turning Nowak onto his side and handcuffing his hands behind his back before he became unresponsive. An officer then informed him he was under arrest for assault, and an ambulance was called.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France issued an apology, stating that officers were misled by a 999 call from Digwa's brother and were confronted with a complex crime scene. He acknowledged the distress caused by the events depicted in the footage.

Mark Nowak, the victim's father, expressed profound distress over the treatment of his son. He stated that the contrast between how his son and the killer were treated was unbearable. "Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," he said, describing the experience as "inhumane and degrading."

Mr. Nowak highlighted that his son "did not die with dignity" and was "afforded decency" by being placed in handcuffs while dying, whereas Digwa was not. The victim's family emphasized that Henry Nowak was a much-loved young man, and his death has inflicted a lifetime of loss.

Judge Mousley KC noted that Digwa had murdered a young man who was deeply cherished, causing immense suffering to his family. The court heard that Digwa’s false claims of racial abuse were particularly damaging, potentially increasing fears for the safety of Sikhs nationwide.

The sentencing brings a close to a case marked by a tragic loss of life and controversial actions by both the perpetrator and, as highlighted by the victim's family, the responding officers.