Victim Handcuffed After Death: Weapons-Fixated Killer Sentenced for Student’s Murder

A 23-year-old man with a documented obsession with weapons has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of student Henry Nowak. The sentence follows revelations that police handcuffed Nowak while he was dying on the ground, shortly after he was stabbed by Vickrum Digwa in Southampton on December 3.

Digwa, who carried a 21cm (8in) blade which he falsely claimed was a religious article required by his Sikh faith, stabbed Nowak, an 18-year-old first-year student from Chafford Hundred, Essex. The victim had been returning alone to his university accommodation after a night out with friends.

Body camera footage, released by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary with the consent of the victim’s family, depicts the harrowing final moments. The video shows officers arriving at the scene where Digwa had reportedly made false allegations, claiming he had been racially abused by Nowak and acted in self-defense. Digwa also alleged that his turban had been knocked off and that he was injured.

In the footage, Nowak can be heard repeatedly stating, "I've been stabbed" and "I can't breathe" while lying on the pavement. Despite his pleas, officers turn him onto his side and handcuff his hands behind his back. Several minutes later, as Nowak becomes unresponsive, an officer informs him that he is under arrest for assault. An ambulance is subsequently called to attend to the student.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France issued an apology, acknowledging that the responding officers had been misled by a 999 call placed by Digwa’s brother. He described the scene as "extremely complex," but accepted responsibility for the error in handling the victim.

Judge William Mousley KC, speaking at Southampton Crown Court before a packed gallery, condemned Digwa’s actions. He stated that the killer had brought "shame" upon both his family and his religion. Mousley dismissed Digwa’s claims of racism, noting that the defendant’s behavior had "stirred up racial tension in Southampton and across the country," causing significant anxiety among Sikhs regarding their safety.

"You were sober but were carrying a large Sikh dagger," Mousley told Digwa. He added that the killer had murdered a "much-loved" young man, imposing a "lifetime of loss" on his family.

Outside the court, Mark Nowak, Henry’s father, expressed his anguish over the disparity in treatment between his son and the killer. He described the situation as "unbearable," stating, "Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody." Mark Nowak labeled the handling of the victim as "inhumane and degrading," contrasting it with the fact that Digwa was treated with decency and never handcuffed.

"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. He demanded a "full, fearless and transparent" investigation into the police conduct, asserting that the family "should not have to fight for the truth."

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for an independent review.

Inside the courtroom, Mark Nowak shared his torment over the loss. "I couldn't help Henry in his final moments and there is nothing I can do to bring him back," he said, his voice breaking. Addressing his son, he added, "To my dying son, who I love beyond words, I'm so sorry that I let this happen."

Prosecuting barrister Nicholas Lobbenberg KC highlighted Digwa’s "weapons obsession," arguing that the killer’s attempt to portray Nowak as a "racist, drunk, violent aggressor" only compounded the family’s grief.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also commented on the case via X, describing it as an "awful, shocking case." He noted that Henry’s loved ones had endured the trauma of a long trial while facing "appalling claims" about their "thoughtful, kind and deeply loved" son.

"It is right that the IOPC is investigating the police's response to his senseless murder," Starmer wrote. "And we must end the cycle of tragedy by tackling the horror of knife crime."

The court had previously heard that Nowak, a student at the University of Southampton, had been drinking to a level below the legal limit. Digwa was located on Belmont Road at approximately 23:30 GMT with the murder weapon sheathed at his belt when the fatal attack occurred.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-01 22:54:03 UTC