Student Murdered; Police Slammed for 'Inhumane' Treatment

The family of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student, has voiced their profound grief and called for urgent government action on knife crime. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years, for fatally stabbing Nowak in Southampton in December using an 8-inch blade.

Digwa had falsely claimed he was a victim of a racist attack, which led to Nowak being arrested and handcuffed by responding officers as he lay dying. The Nowak family described this treatment as 'inhumane and degrading,' a sentiment that led Hampshire Police to issue an apology.

During sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, Judge William Mousley KC stated he was certain Nowak had not made any racist comments. The judge highlighted that Digwa's actions had exacerbated racial tensions, causing distress within the Sikh community.

Family members shared their devastation, with Nowak's sister Olivia calling him her 'best friend' and their bond 'unbreakable.' His mother, Lucy Ross, expressed that coming to terms with her son's death, especially under such tragic circumstances, was beyond comprehension. Step-mother Katie Woodcock recounted replaying the horrific events of that night and witnessing the profound impact on Henry's father.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary released bodycam footage of the incident's aftermath with the family's consent. Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France apologized for Nowak's arrest and handcuffing, and the force pledged to implement recommendations from the ongoing Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation.