Henry Nowak’s murderer is seeking to overturn his conviction and reduce his sentence. Vickrum Digwa, aged 23, received a life sentence last month, with a minimum term of 21 years, for the murder of 18-year-old Henry. Following a trial, the solicitor general referred the case to the Court of Appeal in an attempt to increase the sentence.
Digwa’s legal team has now formally requested the Court of Appeal to overturn his conviction and lessen the prison term. This development has distressed Henry’s family, who had urged for calm after a video surfaced showing the student’s arrest as he was fatally wounded.
The incident involved Henry being fatally stabbed on the street with an 8-inch blade, which Digwa claimed he carried due to his Sikh beliefs. Digwa alleged that Henry instigated the altercation by racially abusing him.
An official from the Court of Appeal disclosed that Digwa’s case had been flagged as “unduly lenient.” Additionally, an application for permission to appeal the conviction and sentence has been submitted. A single judge will determine whether Digwa can proceed with the appeal, which, if granted, will be heard by a panel of three judges at the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Digwa was sentenced by Judge William Mousley KC at Southampton Crown Court on June 1. Following the sentencing, Henry’s father expressed his anguish over the treatment of his son compared to the leniency shown to the perpetrator. He emphasized the family’s desire to avoid further division or animosity.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP later expressed her aspiration for the sentence to be increased to bring justice to Henry’s family. The initial arrest of Henry, who was handcuffed while dying, led to a delayed realization by officers that he had been fatally wounded.
Digwa falsely claimed to the police that he was attacked and racially abused by his victim. Body-worn camera footage released post-sentencing led to violent protests in Southampton on June 2, prompting investigations into potential misconduct by two officers.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who characterized the case as “awful and shocking,” met with Henry’s family at Downing Street on June 4. Following the meeting, he expressed his deep respect for the family and highlighted the need for a lasting legacy for Henry beyond the tragic event.