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The man convicted of murdering 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak in Southampton has had his minimum prison sentence increased by the Court of Appeal, which ruled on Thursday, 5 November 2026, that the original punishment was unduly lenient. Vickrum Digwa, who fatally stabbed Henry five times with a ceremonial Sikh dagger in December 2025, must now serve at least 25 years behind bars before he can be considered for release, up from the 21-year minimum term originally imposed at his sentencing in June 2026.
The decision followed a legal challenge brought by Attorney General Ellie Reeves under the unduly lenient sentence scheme, which allows certain Crown Court sentences to be referred to the Court of Appeal when concerns arise that the punishment fails to adequately reflect the seriousness of the offence. The Lady Chief Justice, delivering the Court of Appeal's ruling, described Digwa's actions as an act of "incomprehensible cruelty" — a judicial assessment that underscores the gravity of a killing that has sparked widespread public outrage and prompted an independent review into the wider circumstances surrounding Henry's death.
Henry Nowak, a first-year finance student, was walking home in Southampton when he encountered Digwa. During the confrontation, Digwa attacked the teenager with a large ceremonial Sikh dagger, inflicting five stab wounds. Rather than admitting what had happened, Digwa claimed he had been the victim of a racially motivated assault, alleging that Henry had been drunk, shouted racist abuse, and attacked him, knocking off his turban. His brother, Gurpreet Digwa, 27, also supported this false account. As the brothers made their allegations, Henry was lying seriously injured nearby, desperately trying to tell police officers what had happened.
Body-worn camera footage subsequently released by Hampshire Police showed the distressing moments after officers arrived. Henry could be heard repeatedly telling police that he had been stabbed. At one point, an officer responded: "Don't think you have, mate." The footage caused considerable public concern when it emerged, raising questions about whether officers had properly assessed Henry's injuries and understood the seriousness of the situation. Henry died following the attack, leaving his family devastated.
The case later became the subject of wider scrutiny, with questions raised about the police response and whether opportunities to provide assistance had been missed. Henry's family have previously accused police of misleading and manipulating them over the circumstances of his death. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the murder and the actions taken by authorities. The review will be led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk and will examine whether there were missed opportunities to intervene. The findings are yet to be announced.
Digwa's mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was also prosecuted for her involvement after the killing. She arrived at the scene and took the ceremonial dagger away before concealing it in her son's bedroom. The weapon still had Henry's blood on it. Kaur was subsequently convicted of assisting an offender and sentenced to three years in prison. However, the possibility of her early release has caused further distress to Henry's family. Relatives have criticised reports that Kaur could be released in December, around the anniversary of Henry's murder.
Henry's mother, Lucy Ross, described the situation as particularly painful because the release would coincide with a time of year already marked by the loss of her son. Speaking to ITV News, she said Kaur had concealed the knife used to kill Henry. She also expressed the devastating difference between their circumstances, explaining that Kaur would be able to see her son again while she could only visit Henry's grave. Henry's father, Mark Nowak, also condemned the prospect of Kaur being released in time for Christmas. He described the situation as an absolute disgrace, saying that while Kaur might spend Christmas outside prison, his family would never have another Christmas with Henry.
The family's concerns have extended beyond Kaur's sentence. They have also criticised Digwa's attempts to challenge his conviction and punishment. In July, it emerged that the killer was seeking permission to appeal against his conviction and sentence. Henry's stepmother, Katie Nowak, described the development as another ordeal for a family already struggling with the consequences of the murder. She questioned why they were being forced to endure further legal proceedings after a jury had reached its verdict.
The Court of Appeal's decision to increase Digwa's minimum term from 21 to 25 years represents a significant legal development. Importantly, the ruling does not mean Digwa will automatically be freed after serving 25 years. He remains subject to a life sentence, and any eventual release would depend on a decision by the Parole Board. If released, he would remain on licence for the rest of his life and could be recalled to prison if he breached its conditions.
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that the Attorney General's successful challenge sends a clear message that sentences failing to reflect the severity of violent crime will be scrutinised and, where appropriate, increased. The case has also highlighted the importance of the unduly lenient sentence scheme as a mechanism for ensuring public confidence in the criminal justice system.
For Henry's relatives, the legal proceedings have prolonged an already devastating experience. The teenager had been at the beginning of his university education and had his future ahead of him when he was killed. His death has left his family facing not only the loss of a son but also a series of court proceedings, appeals, and questions about the conduct of those involved.
The increase in Digwa's minimum prison term represents a significant legal development, but it does not resolve the family's concerns about the events surrounding Henry's death. They continue to seek answers about the police response and the possibility of Kaur's early release. The independent review into Henry's murder remains a separate process, with its findings yet to be announced.
Daily Dazzling Dawn will continue to follow this case and provide verified updates as further developments emerge.
