Bodycam Reveals Handcuffed Teen Died in Police Custody After Stabbing
Bodycam footage shows Hampshire police handcuffing 18-year-old Henry Nowak moments after he was fatally stabbed on December 3. The killer, Vickrum Digwa, was jailed for life with a minimum 21-year term after a court dismissed his false claims of racial abuse. Nowak’s father calls the treatment 'inhumane and degrading.'
Police in Hampshire have released bodycam footage showing officers handcuffing 18-year-old Henry Nowak as he lay dying on a Southampton street early on December 3. The footage, reviewed by this newspaper, captures the final moments of Nowak’s life following a fatal stabbing committed by his killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23.
Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday with a minimum term of 21 years after a Southampton Crown Court jury found him guilty of murder. Prosecutors dismantled his claim that he acted in self-defense after Nowak racially abused him, a defense Digwa repeated to officers at the scene. The court heard Digwa used a 21cm blade, which he claimed was carried as part of his Sikh faith, to stab Nowak repeatedly.
Key Points
- ✅ Henry Nowak, 18, was handcuffed by police while dying from stab wounds
- ⚡ Vickrum Digwa, 23, jailed for life with a minimum 21-year sentence for murder
- 💡 Digwa’s claim of racial abuse and self-defense was dismissed by the court
Nowak had been walking home alone after a night out with friends when the attack occurred. Police arrived within minutes and found him conscious but critically injured. Despite his condition, officers placed him in handcuffs as he lay on the pavement, according to the bodycam footage. Paramedics arrived shortly after, but Nowak was pronounced dead at the scene.
📋 By The Numbers
- 21cm — Length of the blade used by Digwa
- 8 minutes — Time between the 999 call reporting the stabbing and police arrival
- 21 years — Minimum term Digwa must serve before parole eligibility
Mark Nowak, Henry’s father, spoke outside court after the sentencing. "Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," he said. "He did not die with dignity. He did not die with the care he deserved. He lost consciousness before anyone believed him." Digwa, he added, "was afforded decency" and "we understand, he was never handcuffed at all."
💡 Pro Tip
If you witness a violent crime or emergency, prioritize calling emergency services immediately and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to intervene physically unless you are trained and it is absolutely necessary.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police confirmed they liaised with Nowak’s family before releasing the bodycam footage. The video was also played during the trial and has been edited to remove distressing audio. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cooper, leading the investigation, stated that officers followed standard procedures at the scene, though questions remain about the decision to handcuff Nowak while he was critically injured.
- 📊 The bodycam footage shows Nowak was handcuffed within 8 seconds of police arrival
- 🔍 Digwa’s claim of carrying the knife for religious reasons was rejected by the court
- ⚠️ Nowak’s family alleges racial bias in how the incident was handled
An internal review by Hampshire Police is underway to examine the circumstances surrounding Nowak’s death and the use of restraints. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has also opened an investigation into the conduct of the officers present. Nowak’s family has called for systemic changes, demanding transparency in police interactions with victims of violent crime.
| Aspect | Henry Nowak | Vickrum Digwa |
|---|---|---|
| Age at time of incident | 18 | 23 |
| Charge | Victim | Murder |
| Sentence | — | Life, 21-year minimum |
| Weapon used | — | 21cm blade |
| Handcuffed? | Yes (while dying) | No |
The case has reignited debates about police use of force, racial bias, and the treatment of victims of violent crime in custody. Nowak’s family plans to file a civil claim against Hampshire Police, alleging negligence and violation of human rights. The Home Office has requested a full report from the force following public outcry over the footage.