The family of the individual who murdered Henry Nowak has expressed profound remorse for the anguish caused by Vickrum Digwa and has issued an apology. They have also acknowledged their regret for tarnishing the reputation of the Sikh community following Digwa’s sentencing to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 21 years, for fatally stabbing 18-year-old Henry with a ceremonial knife related to his religious practices. Kiran Kaur, Digwa’s mother, awaits sentencing for aiding an offender by transporting the murder weapon back to their home.
A statement released by unnamed relatives of Digwa through Sikh PA, a charity representing the Sikh community in the media, conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the Nowak family for their pain and suffering. The family expressed unwavering love for Digwa while acknowledging the genuine sorrow for the Nowak family, stating that both emotions will endure indefinitely.
They expressed a wish to undo the tragic encounter between Henry and Digwa and emphasized a desire to prevent any further distress in its aftermath. Additionally, the family extended an apology to the Sikh community for the actions of their son, which unjustly brought disrepute to the community. They urged against exploiting the tragedy to incite division or hostility and requested privacy as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Digwa was convicted at Southampton Crown Court for the murder of Henry, who succumbed to multiple stab wounds inflicted on December 3, 2025, in Southampton using a 21cm blade. The court heard that moments before the fatal attack, Digwa was captured on video uttering menacing words to Henry. Digwa claimed self-defense, stating that Henry had threatened him and initiated physical aggression, leading to the fatal stab wound. However, the prosecution refuted his narrative, accusing Digwa of fabricating a false version of events to authorities.
The presiding judge noted Digwa’s affiliation with the Nihang Sikhs, a group that traditionally carries a kirpan, a ceremonial knife, as a visible symbol, but highlighted that possessing a larger weapon like the one used in the murder was not mandatory within the community. Henry’s family emphasized the need for a rational approach to law enforcement, denouncing the unrestricted presence of dangerous blades in public spaces.
In response to the sentencing, Henry’s family emphasized that the case centered on murder rather than Sikhism or racism. They called for a balanced and practical application of the law to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
