The Court of Appeal will reassess the sentence given to the individual who fatally stabbed student Henry Nowak in Southampton.
Vickrum Digwa, aged 23, received a life imprisonment sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old Mr. Nowak.
The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC has requested a review of Digwa’s sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, prompting the referral to the Court of Appeal.
Expressing her dismay, Solicitor General Reeves stated, “This case deeply troubled me, and I believe the sentiment is shared by the public.”
“There are critical questions surrounding the handling of Henry Nowak’s murder by the police, while my duty involves reviewing Digwa’s sentence for his actions,” she added.
“After thorough deliberation, I have decided to refer this case to the Court of Appeal.
“While no sentence can erase the profound pain experienced by Henry’s family or fill the void following his loss,
“I trust that this referral will contribute towards delivering the justice they rightfully deserve.”
Digwa was recently imprisoned for the murder of Mr. Nowak in December. Described as “weapons-obsessed,” Digwa carried an eight-inch Sikh ceremonial knife during the attack, falsely alleging that the student had racially insulted him.
Following the stabbing, Mr. Nowak was left to bleed as police officers, disregarding his pleas for aid, handcuffed him based on Digwa’s false claims of racial abuse.
Bodycam footage captured Mr. Nowak informing officers multiple times about his stabbing, with one officer responding, “I don’t think you have, mate.”
The footage incited anger and protests, leading to numerous individuals being charged for disturbances during the demonstrations.
Previously, in 2023, police had investigated Digwa for allegedly stealing ceremonial blades from a Sikh temple in Southampton, but no further action was taken.
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