UK Police Face Investigation After Nowak Murderer Sentenced to Life in Prison
Attacker Vickrum Digwa lied about a racist assault after fatally stabbing student Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed while dying, prompting an IOPC investigation into police conduct.
- On Monday, Southampton Crown Court sentenced Vickrum Digwa, 23, to life imprisonment with a minimum 21-year term for murdering 18-year-old student Henry Nowak with a 21cm blade in Southampton on December 3, 2025.
- Digwa told police a 'wicked lie' about a racist attack, prompting officers to handcuff the dying student while he repeatedly pleaded 'I can't breathe,' delaying critical medical aid.
- Evidence presented in court highlighted Digwa's 'weapons obsession,' noting he chose to carry a 21cm kirpan despite religious exemptions covering smaller blades, which prosecutors said demonstrated intent rather than faith.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the police response 'harrowing' and said there are 'serious questions' to answer, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct investigates officers' actions over the coming three months.
- The case sparked national debate over knife laws and religious exemptions, as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed a 'two-tier culture' while Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones called for a review of religious blade exemptions.
137 Articles
137 Articles
Starmer condemns handcuffed teen's death as police response sparks protests
The British Prime Minister said he "felt sick" while watching video released by police of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed while he lay dying from stab wounds after his killer falsely alleged a racist attack.
The case of a U.K. teen who died from a stab wound while handcuffed by police stirs debate
The fatal stabbing last year in Britain of a teenager who was handcuffed by police while his killer stood nearby erupted into a debate on Tuesday about policing, race and knife crime.
At the end of 2025, a British student died after a stabbing attack on the street, in the presence of police officers, who had confused the perpetrators and victims. The case moved Britain - and rights tried to fight the crime politically. By Gabi Biesinger.
Henry Nowak Killer Sentenced to Life Imprisonment (UPDATED)
Monday, June 1st saw a 23-year-old man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a University of Southampton student, 18. He will serve at least 21 years. Vickrum Digwa is a British Sikh found guilty last Friday of murdering the accountancy and finance student on the street last December. His case has fuelled the arguments surrounding Britain’s alleged two-tier justice system. The murder weapon used on Henry Nowak, which Digwa’s mother has bee…
Associated Press News
The case of a UK teen who died from a stab wound while handcuffed by police stirs debate
The fatal stabbing of a British teenage who was handcuffed despite telling offices that he was wounded has sparked a debate about policing and race.
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