Newly released video footage captures the murderer of Henry Nowak informing the police that he was bleeding before they took eight minutes to discover that he had been fatally stabbed.
In the footage, Vickrum Digwa falsely accuses Henry, 18, of racially attacking him in Southampton. Digwa, a 23-year-old Sikh, claimed in the police bodyworn video that Henry sustained his bloody injuries either from a punch or falling over while climbing on bins.
Allegedly, Digwa stated that Henry, who was allegedly drunk, attacked him and removed his turban. Interestingly, Digwa was not handcuffed during his arrest for attempted murder, while Henry was handcuffed by the same officers minutes earlier.
Following a trial at Southampton Crown Court, Digwa was sentenced to 23 years in prison for murder and possession of an offensive weapon. This led to violent protests in the city.
The incident occurred in December last year when Digwa murdered Henry as he was returning from a university night out.
During the footage release, Digwa’s father, Moga Singh, was heard telling the police that his son had been assaulted. Digwa claimed that Henry had pushed his turban off and pulled his hair, leading to a physical altercation.
When questioned about Henry’s wound, Digwa falsely claimed that it occurred when they punched him and he fell over while climbing on bins.
Upon his arrest, Digwa protested, questioning why he was being detained for attempted murder. The police officer reassured him that they needed to investigate the incident.
In court, Judge William Mousley KC emphasized that there was no evidence of racism from Henry and accused Digwa of fabricating claims to justify his actions.
Additional evidence presented during the trial revealed Digwa’s obsession with weapons, with an arsenal found in his room at his family home.
The arrest of Henry sparked violent protests in Southampton, leading to charges against 25 protesters for violent disorder. Hampshire Constabulary is currently under an IOPC investigation regarding the arrest.