The murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton has sparked renewed calls for a review of UK knife laws, after the judge in the case highlighted legal exemptions for carrying large blades for religious reasons. The killer, who used an eight-inch knife, was not prosecuted for possessing the weapon due to existing exemptions under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge William Mousley stated that carrying a nine-inch blade for religious reasons would typically not lead to prosecution. He emphasised that such a privilege carries 'huge responsibility' and that a kirpan should only be used offensively as a last resort. The knife used in the attack was within the legal limit, though the Sikh Federation said it was not a traditional kirpan.
Henry's father, Mark Nowak, called for the government to treat knife crime as a national emergency, urging stronger action on the sale, ownership, and carrying of all knives. He said: 'People should not be able to walk openly through the streets of Britain carrying a 21cm blade.'
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones backed calls for a review of the law, arguing that if the knife had been illegal, Henry would still be alive. She distinguished her call from criticism of the kirpan, noting that a small dagger could be carried without infringing on religious rights.
Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur, the first female Sikh leader of a local authority in Britain, said the case was not about faith and condemned attempts to demonise the Sikh community. She called for strengthened guidance around religious exemptions but stopped short of demanding a full law review.
