Henry Nowak’s family has said he “did not die with dignity” as they called for urgent national action on knife crime following his killing in Southampton. A court sentenced 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa to life in prison, imposing a minimum term of 21 years for murdering the 18-year-old student in December 2025.
During the attack, Digwa used an 8-inch blade. He told police he carried the weapon for religious reasons linked to his Sikh faith. Officers later heard that Digwa had misled them during questioning. He also falsely claimed he had suffered a racist attack. Confusion at the scene led police to restrain Henry while he lay dying.
Henry’s relatives criticised the emergency response. They described parts of it as “inhumane and degrading” and demanded accountability. Hampshire Constabulary issued an apology after officers arrested Henry during the chaotic aftermath. The force confirmed it will review decisions made at the scene.
After sentencing, Henry’s father said the family would carry grief every day for the rest of their lives. He also praised the murder investigation team for securing justice. Henry’s sister described him as her closest friend. She said the family had been left devastated and fundamentally changed by his death.
She recalled the moment police delivered the news and spoke about the lasting emotional impact on the household. For her, visiting Henry’s grave provides the only sense of closeness she still feels with him. Henry’s mother described him as ambitious, determined, and full of life. She said his achievements brought immense pride to the family.
His university place marked a major milestone, as Henry became the first grandchild in the family to attend higher education. In court, his stepmother described the night of the killing in detail. She said the trauma from that evening continues to affect every member of the family.
She recalled police arriving at their home to deliver the devastating news. The shock, she said, left the household struggling to comprehend what had happened. Younger children in the family reacted with distress after overhearing conversations about the incident. That moment, she said, intensified the emotional damage.
Following the incident, the family visited Henry’s university accommodation. They described clearing his room as one of the most painful experiences they had ever faced. Authorities now face scrutiny over the actions taken by police at the scene. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into officer conduct.
A local police and crime commissioner has written to the prime minister calling for a national review of laws covering bladed weapons. She raised concerns about confusion around ceremonial knives and warned that unclear rules could lead to inconsistent enforcement.
Political leaders have also commented on the case. The prime minister described the killing as “awful and shocking” and called for urgent action to break the cycle of knife crime. Campaigners continue to argue for stronger prevention measures and tougher enforcement. They say repeated tragedies highlight the need for urgent reform.
Investigations into both police conduct and wider policy questions remain ongoing. Authorities have said they will publish findings once reviews conclude.
For now, Henry Nowak’s family say they are focusing on remembering his life while pushing for change. They continue to urge action so other families do not suffer similar loss.
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