The sentencing hearing has commenced for a Sikh man who fatally stabbed a student with a ceremonial knife before deceiving police into arresting his dying victim. Vickrum Digwa, 23, who harboured a fascination with knives, attacked 18-year-old Henry Nowak, an innocent stranger, in Southampton city centre last December.
Details of the Attack
Digwa stabbed Nowak six times with an eight-inch blade he was openly carrying. The victim, a finance student at the University of Southampton, was described by his family as kind and talented. The fatal encounter occurred after a night out, with Nowak heading home around 11pm when he encountered Digwa.
Prosecutor Nicholas Lobbenberg KC revealed that Digwa used a wicked lie about a dying man, accusing Nowak of shouting racist abuse, punching him, and knocking off his turban. This prompted officers to handcuff the fatally injured student, who collapsed moments later, drowning in his own blood.
Police Apology and Investigation
Hampshire Police has apologised to Nowak's family for the arrest. Deputy Chief Constable Robert France expressed regret over the handcuffing and arrest. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the officers' actions, and there are calls for the release of bodycam footage. The case has sparked international outrage, with tech billionaire Elon Musk offering to fund a private prosecution against the police.
Digwa's Background and Weapon Obsession
The court heard that Digwa shared a bedroom with his brother containing an arsenal of weapons. He had a fascination with antique Sikh weaponry and described the murder weapon in loving terms during questioning. A video from May 2023 showed Digwa and his brother performing Gatka, a Sikh weapons demonstration, at a London event. Local Sikh community sources indicated they had cut ties with Digwa over concerns about his behaviour.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Digwa faces life imprisonment at Southampton Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of aggressively pursuing and stabbing Nowak six times, including an 8cm deep chest wound. The case raises questions about the impact of anti-racism training on police judgment and whether more could have been done to prevent the attack.
