Henry Nowak’s family was concerned that the police would wrongly portray their son as the aggressor following his tragic death, according to reports. Hampshire Police had intended to release a statement suggesting that Henry, 18, had attacked both Vickrum Digwa and his brother, as initially stated by the Sunday Times. The police had informed the family that an upcoming update would once again insinuate that Henry was the instigator, even indicating that they believed Henry had used racial slurs.
However, it was revealed that Digwa, a 23-year-old with a fixation on weapons who carried a ceremonial knife, had actually stabbed Henry and falsely accused him of racial abuse. After Henry’s family protested against the tarnishing of his reputation, the police revised their statement to only mention an “altercation” without any racism allegations.
Digwa was recently sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 21 years, for murdering Henry in Southampton. A recording surfaced of Digwa admitting to his brother that he had stabbed Henry, contradicting his earlier claim of self-defense. The Attorney General is now reviewing Digwa’s sentencing for potential referral to the Court of Appeal.
David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, condemned the manipulation of the situation by bringing race into the context, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the Sikh community. Henry’s family has expressed their desire not to incite division following his death.
Henry was fatally stabbed while returning home from a night out, with police initially arresting him based on Digwa’s false accusations. Bodycam footage showed Henry pleading for help and indicating he had been stabbed, yet he was not assisted promptly, leading to his tragic death.
Mark Nowak criticized the disparate treatment of his son and Digwa, highlighting the inhumane and degrading way Henry was treated. The presiding judge confirmed that Henry had not made any racist remarks, contradicting Digwa’s baseless claims.
Hampshire Police has been requested to provide a statement regarding the case.
