Vickrum Digwa, the man convicted of murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak, has launched a legal bid to have his conviction quashed and his sentence reduced. Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years at Southampton Crown Court on June 1, 2026, after being found guilty of stabbing Henry to death. The Court of Appeal has confirmed receipt of Digwa's application for leave to appeal both his conviction and sentence.
Background of the Case
Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed in the street with an 8-inch blade on December 3, 2025. Digwa claimed he carried the knife due to his Sikh faith and alleged that Henry was the aggressor, having racially abused him. Police body-worn video showed Henry, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe. Officers initially arrested and handcuffed Henry as he lay dying, taking eight minutes to realize he had been stabbed in the heart.
Appeal Process
A Court of Appeal official stated on Thursday that Digwa's case had previously been referred to them as "unduly lenient" by the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC MP. The official added: "This person has also recently lodged an application for leave to appeal conviction and sentence." A single appeal court judge will now decide whether Digwa should be granted permission to appeal. If granted, the case will be heard by three judges in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Impact on Henry's Family
The news of Digwa's appeal comes as a blow to Henry's family, who had called for calm after the release of police footage showing Henry's arrest sparked violent protests in Southampton on June 2. Henry's father, Mark Nowak, said after the sentencing that it was "unbearable" to see how his son was treated by police compared to his killer, but urged: "We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension."
Official Reactions
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said two weeks after sentencing that her referral request to increase Digwa's sentence aimed to bring justice to Nowak's family. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described it as an "awful, shocking case," met Henry's family at Downing Street on June 4. Afterwards, Sir Keir said he was "profoundly humbled" and that Henry deserved "a legacy that goes beyond this awful tragedy." Two police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct, with the Independent Office for Police Conduct suggesting evidence that they may have breached professional standards.
