Vickrum Digwa, who was convicted of fatally stabbing Henry Nowak, has had the minimum term of his life sentence extended by four years, raising it to 25 years. This decision followed a referral to the Court of Appeal by the Attorney General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Details of the Incident
On the evening of 3 December 2025, 23-year-old Digwa, from St Denys, Southampton, was seen carrying a large Sikh dagger sheathed over his clothing. He encountered Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old first-year student at Southampton University, who was on his way home. The two individuals were strangers to one another.
After a brief interaction, Digwa attacked Nowak, stabbing him in the chest, as well as multiple times in the legs and abdomen. Following the assault, Digwa recorded the victim as he attempted to escape and continued filming as Nowak lay dying on the ground. Furthermore, it was revealed that Digwa had instructed his mother to dispose of the murder weapon and had repeatedly misled police officers regarding the events that transpired.
Impact on Victim’s Family
In a Victim Impact Statement, Henry’s father expressed the profound sorrow and devastation experienced by the family due to the loss of their son at such a young age. The emotional toll of the incident has been significant, leaving a lasting void in their lives.
Response from the Attorney General
Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP commented on the case, stating, “The brutality and cruelty of this case horrified me, and I know that feeling is shared by the British public. I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase the minimum term of Digwa’s life sentence.”
She further articulated her thoughts, conveying sympathy for Henry’s family and loved ones during this incredibly challenging period. She acknowledged that no sentence could ever replace the loss they have endured and expressed hope that the outcome would provide some measure of justice for them.
Sentencing Details
Initially, on 1 June 2026, at Southampton Crown Court, Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for one count of murder and one count of possessing a bladed article. Subsequently, on 5 November 2026, the Court of Appeal increased his minimum term to 25 years, reflecting the severity of the crime committed.
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