Vickrum Digwa, 23, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of university student Henry Nowak, with a minimum term of 20 years set at Southampton Crown Court on Monday after stabbing him five times with a 21 cm knife he said he carried for religious reasons. Nowak’s father Mark spoke on Monday, saying he took his son to university weeks before the killing and last saw him at a family pantomime. He said: “I couldn’t help Henry in his final moments and there is nothing I can do to bring him back," he said, according to the Guardian: “I’m so sorry that I let this happen.”
He also called for an investigation in the police who ignored Henry's injuries and arrested him rather than treat him.
His sister Olivia said 650 people attended the funeral, saying: “My life will never be the same without my best friend,” and: “He was part of me. I lost a lot of myself when he died. He deserved to grow old and start a family of his own.” His mother Lucy Ross said: “We speak about Henry every day and we always will,” and: “He will always be loved beyond words. We will carry this grief for the rest of our lives.” His step-father David Stephenson said: “He treated people with respect and kindness and that is something I admired deeply.”
Nowak, 18, was attacked in Southampton after a night out with his football team. He was walking home when Digwa stabbed him five times with a 21 cm knife, according to court evidence. Police initially arrested Nowak after Digwa allegedly claimed racial abuse and a turban incident.
Judge Mousley KC told Digwa: “You have brought shame on your family, your community and your religion. Your actions have stirred up racial tension, which has made many Sikhs worried about their safety.”
He also called for an investigation in the police who ignored Henry's injuries and arrested him rather than treat him.
His sister Olivia said 650 people attended the funeral, saying: “My life will never be the same without my best friend,” and: “He was part of me. I lost a lot of myself when he died. He deserved to grow old and start a family of his own.” His mother Lucy Ross said: “We speak about Henry every day and we always will,” and: “He will always be loved beyond words. We will carry this grief for the rest of our lives.” His step-father David Stephenson said: “He treated people with respect and kindness and that is something I admired deeply.”
Nowak, 18, was attacked in Southampton after a night out with his football team. He was walking home when Digwa stabbed him five times with a 21 cm knife, according to court evidence. Police initially arrested Nowak after Digwa allegedly claimed racial abuse and a turban incident.
Judge Mousley KC told Digwa: “You have brought shame on your family, your community and your religion. Your actions have stirred up racial tension, which has made many Sikhs worried about their safety.”
