Sikh man convicted of murdering Henry Nowak
A 23-year-old man was convicted of murdering an 18-year-old university student in Southampton by stabbing him five times with a ceremonial Sikh knife.
Vickrum Singh Digwa was found guilty on May 28 at Southampton Crown Court of killing Henry Nowak, a first-year accountancy and finance student at the University of Southampton, who was attacked on Belmont Road in the Portswood area on December 3, 2025, according to Brussels Signal.
The verdict has reignited controversy over police conduct after officers handcuffed the dying Nowak at the scene rather than immediately treating his wounds.
Jury Rejects Self-Defence Claim
The jury rejected Digwa’s claim that he acted in self-defence when he stabbed Nowak multiple times with a 21-centimeter kirpan, a ceremonial blade carried by Sikhs. Prosecutors told the court that Digwa, who had trained with blades since age 12, inflicted wounds to the backs of Nowak’s legs and a fatal stab to the chest.
Trial judge William Mousley KC had directed jurors to consider the lesser charge of manslaughter, but they returned a murder conviction within hours.
Nowak, originally from Chafford Hundred in Essex, eastern England, was walking home from a night out with friends shortly before 11:30 p.m. when the fatal attack occurred.
False Racism Claims Led to Police Handcuffing Dying Victim
As Nowak lay bleeding heavily in the street, Digwa told arriving officers he had been the victim of a racist attack. Police then handcuffed the dying teenager instead of treating his wounds, as Brussels Signal reports.
Bodycam footage shown in court captured Nowak desperately telling officers he had been stabbed while struggling to breathe. He died at the scene despite later efforts to treat him.
Throughout the trial, Digwa claimed Nowak had used a racial slur, punched him, and tried to pull off his turban before he reached for the blade. Prosecutors described these claims as a “wicked lie” designed to shift blame onto the dying victim.
A pathologist testified there was “no evidence” Nowak had been punching anyone. Toxicological analysis showed Nowak was below the legal drink-driving limit, contradicting Digwa’s claim that the student had been heavily intoxicated.
Video Evidence and Family Weapons Cache
Critical video evidence undermined Digwa’s defence. A Snapchat video taken by Nowak moments before the attack showed him filming Digwa and saying “Go on, say you are a bad man,” to which Digwa replied “I am a bad man.” Digwa then took Nowak’s phone and held it throughout the incident.
Another video recorded by Digwa showed Nowak climbing over a fence trying to escape, with Digwa heard saying “You’re not going to get away with this big man” as Nowak responded “I’ve been stabbed.”
Digwa was also convicted of carrying a blade in public. His mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was found guilty of assisting an offender after removing the murder weapon from the scene. Police later discovered more than 20 other weapons at the family home.
Secret police recordings captured Digwa’s brother advising him to claim self-defence, to which Digwa replied: “It was my fault, or mistake.”
Police Apologise But Defend Officers’ Response
Hampshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Robert France apologised on behalf of the officers after the verdict but said they had been “lied to” and would have been unaware that Nowak was injured. The force said it had realised within minutes that something was wrong and had tried to save Nowak before arresting Digwa.
Digwa will be sentenced on June 1 and his mother on July 17.
Family Tribute to Murdered Student
In a tribute after his death, Nowak’s family described him as “our kind, intelligent and talented son” who was “loved by all those that knew him.” The accountancy and finance student had been “fully embracing university life” and had been out with his football teammates on the night of his death.
“Henry was loved by all those that knew him. Our hearts ache when we think of the bright future he had ahead of him, full of opportunity and adventures,” the family said, adding they were “proud of him and all he achieved.”
“Our world will never be the same without our amazing Henry.”
The Sikh community distanced itself from Digwa during the trial.
The case has reignited intense debate about two-tier policing in Britain, with critics questioning whether officers’ response was influenced by Digwa’s false claims of racial victimisation.
With information from Brussels Signal
