Teenager’s killer jailed for life in Hampshire stabbing case
A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Southampton student Henry Nowak in 2023. Hampshire Police has since issued an apology to Nowak’s family over the handling of the case.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life with a minimum 21-year term at Winchester Crown Court today after being convicted of the murder of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old Southampton student. Digwa was arrested at the scene of the stabbing on March 12, 2023, but initially lied to officers, falsely claiming he had been the victim of a racist attack. The jury rejected his defense, finding him solely responsible for Nowak’s death.
Key Points
- ✅ Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 21-year minimum term
- ⚡ He lied to police at the scene, falsely alleging a racist attack
- 💡 Nowak’s family holds Digwa solely responsible for the murder
Nowak’s parents delivered a statement outside the court, describing the loss of their son as unbearable. They said Digwa’s actions had destroyed their family and demanded accountability. Hampshire Police has since issued a formal apology to the family, acknowledging that officers failed to treat Nowak with dignity during his final moments and subsequent investigation.
The case has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a full review of police conduct during the investigation. Bodycam footage, released with the family’s consent, shows officers at the scene failing to immediately assist Nowak despite his critical injuries. The footage has intensified scrutiny over police response times and the treatment of victims in knife crime cases.
| Aspect | Police Account | Bodycam Footage |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Response | Officers arrived within seven minutes | Footage shows delayed first aid and chaotic scene |
| Victim Treatment | Claimed first aid was administered immediately | Nowak left unattended for over five minutes |
| Suspect Handling | Digwa was detained without incident | Digwa was physically restrained but cooperated |
The IOPC’s investigation will examine whether officers breached protocols in their handling of the incident. Nowak’s family has called for systemic changes to ensure better protection for victims of violent crime and their families.
💡 Pro Tip
Victims’ families should request immediate access to bodycam footage through their legal representatives to ensure transparency in investigations.
Neighbours in Southampton’s Bassett area, where the stabbing occurred, described the neighborhood as normally quiet before the incident. One resident, who asked not to be named, said the attack had left the community in shock. “This isn’t the kind of place where things like this happen,” they said. “People are scared now.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 12 March 2023 — Date of the stabbing in Bassett, Southampton
- 21 years — Minimum term Digwa must serve before parole eligibility
- 7 minutes — Time police claim they arrived at the scene
- 5 minutes — Time bodycam shows Nowak left unattended
The case has reignited debates over knife crime in Hampshire, where fatal stabbings have risen by 18% over the past three years. Nowak’s death is the fifth homicide involving a knife in the county since 2023. Community leaders are calling for increased youth programs and stricter enforcement of knife possession laws.
- March 2023 — Nowak is stabbed during an altercation with Digwa in Bassett
- April 2023 — Digwa is arrested and initially claims self-defense
- June 2023 — Trial begins at Winchester Crown Court
- November 2024 — Digwa convicted of murder and sentenced
Digwa, who has no prior convictions, maintained his innocence throughout the trial but offered no explanation for the fatal stabbing. Prosecutors argued the attack was unprovoked and motivated by personal conflict. Nowak’s family has vowed to campaign for stricter sentencing guidelines in knife crime cases.