A 23-year-old man who stabbed an 18-year-old student to death in Southampton has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. Vickrum Digwa used a 21 centimeter blade he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith to kill Henry Nowak, who was walking home alone after a night out with friends on December 3.
Judge William Mousley KC, presiding over a packed Southampton Crown Court, told those present that Digwa had brought shame upon his family and his religion. Mousley dismissed racism claims Digwa had made following the attack, saying his actions had stirred up racial tension in Southampton and across the country which have made many Sikhs worried about their safety. "You were sober but were carrying a large Sikh dagger," Mousley said.
Digwa had lied to police at the scene, claiming Nowak had racially abused him and that he had acted in self-defence. He told officers his turban had been knocked off and that he had been injured. As a result, officers initially treated Nowak as a suspect. Body camera footage released by the Crown Prosecution Service with the family's permission shows officers arriving at the scene and speaking to Digwa while Nowak lay on the ground. Nowak can be heard saying he has been stabbed and that he cannot breathe. Officers turned him onto his side and handcuffed his hands behind his back. After a couple of minutes, Nowak became unresponsive, and an officer told him he was under arrest for assault.
Nowak's father, Mark Nowak, delivered a victim impact statement inside the courtroom, saying he was tormented by thoughts of his son's death. "I couldn't help Henry in his final moments and there is nothing I can do to bring him back," he said. With his voice breaking, he added: "To my dying son, who I love beyond words, I'm so sorry that I let this happen."
Speaking outside court, Mark Nowak said the contrast between how his son and Digwa had been treated was unbearable. "Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," he said, calling it inhumane and degrading. He added that Digwa was afforded decency and, as he understood it, was never handcuffed at all. "Henry did not die with dignity. He did not die with the care he deserved. He lost consciousness before anyone believed him," Mark Nowak said.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France apologized and said officers had been lied to in a 999 call made by Digwa's brother and had faced an extremely complex crime scene.
Mark Nowak called for a full, fearless and transparent investigation into the police handling of the case, saying the family should not have to fight for the truth. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The IOPC referral means an independent body will now review the actions of officers at the scene.
