A man who claimed he carried a large knife as part of his Sikh faith has been found guilty of murdering an 18-year-old university student in Southampton. Vickrum Digwa, 23, fatally stabbed Henry Nowak five times with a 21cm blade as the teenager walked home after a night out with his football team.
When police arrived at the scene, Digwa falsely alleged that Nowak had racially abused him and knocked his turban off. Officers handcuffed the dying victim before discovering his fatal wounds. The prosecution called the racism allegation a 'wicked lie', noting Digwa already wore a small ceremonial kirpan under his clothing, which satisfied his religious obligation.
At Southampton Crown Court, Digwa's defence argued he acted in self-defence and carried the knife as part of his Sikh faith. However, prosecutor Nicholas Lobbenberg KC said Digwa liked weapons and described the knife in 'loving terms'. He told the jury: 'This is not a case about Sikhism. This is not a case about racism. This is a case about murder.'
After the verdict, Hampshire Police apologised for handcuffing Nowak. Deputy Chief Constable Robert France said: 'I'm sorry that Henry's life couldn't be saved that night, and I'm sorry that he was handcuffed and arrested. He was the victim.' The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the officers' actions.
Responding to criticism from Elon Musk and Reform MP Robert Jenrick, France said officers misunderstood the situation due to Digwa's lies. He added that the pathologist had stated Nowak's injury was so severe that nothing could have saved him. The judge directed the jury that carrying a knife for religious reasons could be a valid defence, but Digwa failed to prove this.
