The family of the individual who murdered Henry Nowak expressed deep remorse for the pain caused by Vickrum Digwa and issued an apology. They also acknowledged the negative impact on the Sikh community due to Digwa’s actions. Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years for fatally stabbing 18-year-old Henry with a ceremonial knife associated with his religious beliefs. Kiran Kaur, Digwa’s mother, awaits sentencing for aiding the offender by transporting the murder weapon back to their residence.
A statement released on behalf of Digwa’s family by Sikh PA, a charity representing the Sikh community, conveyed their sorrow for the Nowak family’s suffering. They expressed love for Digwa while acknowledging the coexistence of their grief for the victim’s family. The family expressed a desire to undo the tragic encounter between Henry and Digwa and urged against using the incident to incite hostility towards any community. They requested privacy as they navigate the forthcoming challenges.
Digwa was convicted at Southampton Crown Court for the murder of Henry, a finance student from Essex, who was fatally stabbed in Southampton on December 3, 2025, with a 21cm blade. The court heard that Digwa stabbed Henry multiple times, leading to his death. Digwa claimed self-defense, alleging that Henry had provoked him racially and physically before the fatal altercation. However, the prosecution argued that Digwa fabricated a false narrative to authorities.
Judge William Mousley KC noted that Digwa, a member of the Nihang Sikh order, carried a kirpan, a ceremonial knife, as part of his religious practice. However, he also possessed a larger knife used in the murder. Henry’s family emphasized the need for sensible law enforcement, particularly regarding the possession of large blades in public spaces.
The sentencing prompted Henry’s family to stress that the case was about murder and not related to Sikhism or racism. They called for a balanced approach to law and order. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the murder weapon was not deemed offensive until the altercation occurred.
