Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old finance student, uttered his final three words, "I'm not racist," to his killer, Vickrum Digwa, moments before dying from a stab wound in Southampton. Digwa, 23, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the attack, which occurred on December 3 last year. Newly released court documents reveal Nowak's plea, as Digwa had falsely claimed to police that Nowak racially abused him.
Witness Recounts Final Plea
Andrew Mortimore, a resident of Belmont Road where the attack took place, testified in court that he heard a male voice say, "I'm not racist." He told the court: "During the time I was observing these people outside the block of flats, I think I heard a male voice say, ‘I’m not racist.’ I couldn’t hear anything else that was being said. These are the only actual words I think I heard." Mortimore was awakened by loud arguing and looked out his window.
Nowak's Ex-Girlfriend Rejects Racism Claims
Transcripts of the trial, obtained by The Sunday Times, also show that Nowak's ex-girlfriend, who is of Jamaican and Irish descent, strongly rejected the notion that Nowak was racist. She described him as "proud" of her heritage. The transcripts further note that residents heard "animalistic" shouting during the attack.
Police Missteps in Initial Response
Court documents reveal that Nowak had informed police he was stabbed. One officer responded, "I don't think you have, mate," and then arrested Nowak on suspicion of assaulting Digwa. This occurred despite Nowak being the victim.
Prosecutor's Remarks and Appeal
Nicholas Lobbenberg KC, prosecuting, told the jury: "Even as Henry is dying, he said, 'I’m not a racist … That was heard by Andrew Mortimore, one of the witnesses that was read to you, and as he lay dying, Henry denied that he was the attacker." Digwa has since lodged an application for leave to appeal against both his conviction and sentence. The Court of Appeal confirmed that a judge will first decide whether to grant permission for a full hearing. This move comes despite the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves KC, referring the original 21-year minimum term to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
