Vickrum Digwa, the 23-year-old convicted of murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, is seeking to appeal both his conviction and life sentence, the Court of Appeal has confirmed. Digwa was sentenced last month to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years, a sentence that Solicitor General Ellie Reeves referred to the Court of Appeal as 'unduly lenient'.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
Digwa stabbed Nowak in December 2023. Following the attack, Digwa falsely claimed to police that he was the victim of a racially aggravated assault. This led to the arrest of Nowak, who was handcuffed while bleeding and struggling to breathe, instead of receiving immediate first aid. The incident sparked public protests after footage emerged showing Nowak handcuffed as he lay dying.
Father's Statement and Police Conduct
Mark Nowak, Henry's father, expressed anguish over the contrasting treatment of his son and the killer. In a statement read outside court after Digwa's sentencing, he said: 'Henry was pulled across the gravel, his hands forced behind his back, and he was placed in handcuffs. Instead of being treated as a dying victim, police formally arrested Henry for assault and read him his rights. That was the last thing he heard.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated the case raised 'serious questions'.
IOPC Investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed on Wednesday it is investigating two officers for potential gross misconduct. This includes failures to recognize that Nowak needed urgent medical attention, failing to act when he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and deciding to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing first aid. One officer is also under investigation for potentially breaching conduct standards by dismissing Nowak's claim of being stabbed. The IOPC is examining whether race or religion played a role in the officers' decisions.
Digwa's Appeal and Security Concerns
The Court of Appeal has set a date for the hearing of Digwa's challenge against his conviction. Meanwhile, Digwa has reportedly requested segregation at HMP Frankland in Durham due to security fears. According to The Sun, he is 'terrified' of being killed like child-killer Ian Huntley, who died after an attack at the same prison in February. A source said: 'He was told he was going on to A-wing, and he knew it was where Huntley was killed — and said, "No".' Digwa reportedly only leaves his cell for daily exercise.
