A weapons-obsessed killer has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of student Henry Nowak. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted at Southampton Crown Court on Monday for the fatal stabbing and for carrying a ceremonial knife with a 21cm blade in public.
During the sentencing, a verbal altercation erupted in the gallery between family friends of the victim and the killer, with shouts of ‘stop, stop, stop’ after the verdict was read.
Digwa was filmed by his victim moments before the attack, telling Nowak, ‘I am a bad man.’ The assault included two stab wounds to the back of Nowak’s legs and a fatal wound to his heart.
False Claims of Racist Attack
In his defence, Digwa claimed that Nowak, who he described as drunk, had racially abused him, punched him, and knocked off his turban. He stated he stabbed Nowak in the legs in self-defence after being threatened and grabbed by the hair, but claimed he was unaware of the fatal chest wound.
However, the prosecution argued that Digwa told a ‘wicked lie’ to police, claiming he was the victim of a racist attack. He also falsely denied stabbing Nowak, even as the student pleaded for help. This led officers to arrest Nowak and place him in handcuffs moments before he collapsed, became unconscious, and died despite first aid efforts.
Prosecution and Judge’s Remarks
Nicholas Lobbenberg KC, prosecuting, stated: ‘Henry Nowak dying alone, humiliated and handcuffed was a direct consequence of Vickrum Digwa’s dishonesty.’ He noted that Digwa made videos of Nowak fleeing and dying, calling it ‘intrusive and humiliating.’
Judge William Mousley KC told Digwa: ‘You murdered him, robbing him of all he loved. He would have lived a long, happy life. You brought misery and loss upon his family.’ The judge dismissed claims of racism by Nowak, stating: ‘I am sure Henry said nothing racist. You are the only person to make that claim, and it is completely at odds with his character.’
Family Impact Statements
Nowak’s mother, Lucy, read a statement: ‘Henry was ambitious, determined, and full of life. His future has been cruelly taken away. The impact is devastating; our family will never be the same. No sentence will bring him back.’ She recalled the pride she felt when he was offered a place at the University of Southampton.
Nowak’s sister, Olivia, addressed Digwa directly: ‘If you had known him, you would never have hurt him. My brother was my first best friend. He lit up every room. He should not be forever 18; he deserved to grow old and start a family.’
