Henry Nowak’s murderer is seeking to overturn his conviction and reduce his sentence. Vickrum Digwa, aged 23, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old Henry. The case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the solicitor general for potential sentencing review.
Recent developments reveal that Digwa’s legal representatives have filed a request at the same court to annul his conviction and lessen the prison term. This news is distressing for Henry’s family, who urged for restraint after a video emerged of the student’s arrest while he was dying.
Henry was fatally stabbed multiple times on the street with an 8-inch blade, which Digwa claimed he carried due to his Sikh beliefs. Digwa alleged that Henry initiated the confrontation, accusing the student of racially abusing him.
A Court of Appeal official confirmed that Digwa’s case had been flagged as “unduly lenient” and disclosed that an application to appeal the conviction and sentence had been submitted. A single judge will decide on the appeal request, with the possibility of a full hearing by 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 disparity between his son and the perpetrator, emphasizing the family’s desire to avoid further discord or animosity.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP expressed hope that her request to review the sentence would serve justice for Henry’s loved ones. Henry’s arrest by the police while he was dying on December 3 led to scrutiny over the delayed realization of his injuries.
During the incident, Digwa falsely claimed that Henry attacked him and hurled racial slurs. Body-worn police video captured the moment Henry, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, pleaded for help as he struggled to breathe.
The video release post-sentencing triggered violent protests in Southampton on June 2. Two officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct in connection with the handling of the case. The Independent Office for Police Conduct indicated breaches of professional standards may have occurred.
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, Sir Keir expressed deep humility and stressed the need for Henry to be remembered beyond the tragic circumstances.
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