The 21-year minimum jail term for Vickrum Digwa, who murdered Henry Nowak, will be reviewed by the court of appeal after a referral by the solicitor general. Digwa falsely claimed he was racially abused by Nowak.
This case highlights serious questions regarding police conduct and the handling of a racially motivated crime, with potential implications for justice and accountability.
The 21-year minimum jail term handed to Vickrum Digwa for the murder of Henry Nowak is to be reviewed by the court of appeal. The referral was made by the solicitor general, Ellie Reeves, who stated the case had "horrified me." Digwa, 23, was convicted of stabbing Nowak, an 18-year-old university student, in Southampton in December 2025. During the trial, Digwa falsely claimed he had been racially abused and attacked by Nowak. Body-camera footage released by Hampshire police showed Nowak being handcuffed despite repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the case, with the Home Secretary expecting a report within three months.