Convicted killer refuses wing transfer over safety fears
Convicted murderer Vickrum Digwa is refusing to leave segregation at HMP Frankland after discovering that the wing he was to be moved to is where Ian Huntley was fatally attacked earlier this year, according to reports. Digwa, 23, is serving a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in December 2025.
He is currently confined to his cell for up to 23 hours a day, only leaving under the close supervision of four prison officers for daily exercise. A source told the Express that Digwa declined relocation to A-wing because he knew it was where Huntley had been killed. The source stated: "He is there because he is terrified and refused to locate to a wing. He was told he was going on to A-wing and he knew it was where Huntley was killed - and said 'No'. He said he could not be kept safely on there, which is accurate as there is already talk about him around the prison. They cannot make him go on to the wing and he could be in 'seg' for a very long time."
Harsh conditions in segregation unit
The source described the conditions in the segregation unit as exceptionally severe. They explained: "It is really grim. Inmates are given a really small wind-up radio and you can read books and that's about it. You get taken out for an hour at the same time as three other cons but, even then, the exercise yard is split into four and you cannot mix. And he has to have all the prison-issue food in his cell, which is pretty grim."
The source added: "Most inmates on seg end up pacing around their cell or shouting out of the window. It is the sort of regime that will drive you mad."
Digwa's conviction and appeal
Digwa received a life sentence in May following his conviction for murder. He had stabbed Henry Nowak and falsely claimed he had been subjected to a racist attack while the teenager was dying. His sentence is currently subject to an appeal on grounds it is considered unduly lenient. Initially detained at HMP Winchester, he was later moved to HMP Frankland, often dubbed 'Monster Mansion' due to the high number of high-profile and dangerous prisoners held there.
HMP Frankland's history of violence
Frankland has previously housed some of the country's most infamous criminals, including Ian Huntley, who suffered a fatal assault at the prison earlier this year. The facility has also witnessed other grave incidents, including an attack on staff by Manchester Arena terrorist Hashem Abedi and violent episodes involving quadruple killer Damien Bendall.
A Prison Service spokesperson said it cannot comment on individual prisoners.
