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The family of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was tragically murdered in Southampton, has expressed their enduring grief, vowing to carry the pain “every single day” for the rest of their lives. They have urged the government to recognize knife crime as a “national emergency” following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, 23, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for stabbing Henry with a 21cm blade he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith. The attack occurred in December 2025, and Digwa’s claim of being a victim of a racist attack was proven false, while police were criticized for their actions immediately following the stabbing.
Controversy arose when officers handcuffed Henry as he lay dying on the ground, a treatment the family described as “inhumane and degrading.” Hampshire police have since apologized for their handling of the situation. Donna Jones, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner, has written to the prime minister requesting an urgent review concerning the carrying of bladed articles for religious and ceremonial reasons. Jones acknowledged the stressful nature of the incident but emphasized that “mistakes were made and that needs to be uncovered,” stressing her role is to ensure accountability rather than blindly defend police actions. Meanwhile, the Home Office has not yet commented on the matter.
Bodycam footage, released with the family’s consent, shows police officers arriving, engaging with Digwa and others at the scene. Judge William Mousley KC, presiding at Southampton Crown Court, confirmed that Henry had not made any racist remarks that might have provoked the attack. Before sentencing, Judge Mousley highlighted the broader implications of Digwa’s actions, noting that they “stirred up racial tension in Southampton and across the country,” increasing concerns among the Sikh community about their safety. The case contained distressing details that have deeply affected Henry’s family and wider community.
Henry’s sister, Olivia Nowak, spoke emotionally about her brother, describing him as her “best friend” with whom she shared “an unbreakable bond.” She conveyed the immense pain following his death, saying, “A lot of myself died when he died.” Their mother, Lucy Ross, spoke through prosecutors about the unimaginable grief of losing a son, especially one who was the first grandchild in the family to attend university, a fact that brought them great pride. Henry was remembered as bright, ambitious, and full of life, leaving a void in their hearts that “can never be repaired.” The family also expressed gratitude toward the murder investigation team that helped secure justice and acknowledged the support of their police liaison officers and legal representatives. Meanwhile, police officials have promised to act on recommendations from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the officers’ conduct during the incident
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