A man was sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing a university student in Southampton. Vickrum Digwa, 23, attacked 18-year-old Henry Nowak, leading to his tragic death. The incident occurred on Belmont Road on December 3, 2025, where Henry was stabbed multiple times, resulting in a fatal wound to his heart.
Before the murder, Digwa was caught on camera telling the victim, “I am a bad man.” He later tried to deceive authorities by falsely claiming he was the victim of a racist assault. Digwa alleged that Henry had racially abused him, prompting a physical altercation that led to the stabbing.
During the trial at Southampton Crown Court, Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years. Tensions escalated outside the courtroom between the families and friends of both Digwa and the victim, requiring security intervention. Digwa was found guilty of murder and carrying a bladed weapon in public, while his mother was convicted of assisting an offender by removing the weapon from the crime scene.
Despite Digwa’s claims of self-defense, evidence showed that he had caused the fatal stab wound to Henry’s chest. The victim’s family expressed deep anguish over the loss of their son, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the police’s handling of the case.
Elon Musk offered to fund a private prosecution against the police, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct is looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Henry’s family demanded transparency and justice in the investigation, highlighting the need for accountability in their quest for the truth.
The prosecution revealed that Digwa had a history of weapon training and a fascination with knives. Although Sikhs are allowed to carry a kirpan knife, Digwa’s possession of multiple knives, including the murder weapon, raised concerns about his intentions. The family called for Digwa to be held accountable for the murder, emphasizing the inhumane treatment Henry received in police custody.
