A 23-year-old Sikh man, Vickrum Digwa, has been found guilty of murdering 18-year-old University of Southampton student Henry Nowak. The fatal stabbing occurred on Beltmont Road, Portwood, following a dispute over pavement space.
Digwa used a large ceremonial blade to inflict five stab wounds on Nowak, including a fatal chest wound. Despite the severity of Henry’s injuries, police initially handcuffed him after Digwa falsely claimed racial abuse, which delayed critical medical assistance.
The attack took place when Digwa and Nowak crossed paths and argued about space on the footpath. Digwa stabbed Nowak twice in the legs and once in the heart before police arrived at the scene. Footage captured Digwa telling Nowak, “I am a bad man” immediately prior to the attack.
Digwa deceived officers by reporting that he was the victim of a racist attack. This misinformation led the officers to handcuff the severely wounded Nowak, who later collapsed as officers struggled to recognise the extent of his injuries. Deputy Chief Constable Robert France apologised for the officers’ response but emphasised that they had been misled and did not immediately grasp the severity of the stabbing.
Digwa claimed self-defence, alleging that Nowak punched him and racially abused him. However, video evidence recorded on Nowak’s phone showed no racist language or aggression from the student. The court dismissed Digwa’s claims as “wicked lies.”
Furthermore, Digwa called emergency services to report being racially abused rather than calling an ambulance for Nowak.
Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was convicted of assisting an offender after removing the murder weapon from the scene. Sentencing for Digwa is scheduled for next month, with Kaur’s sentencing set for July.
The tragic case is under review, with sympathies extended to Henry Nowak’s family and friends.
Originally published by UKNIP.
