Murderer of Polish Student Henry Nowak Seeks Appeal in UK Courts

Vickrum Digwa, convicted of murdering 18‑year‑old Polish‑origin student Henry Nowak in Southampton on 3 December 2025, has applied for permission to appeal his life‑sentence. The Court of Appeal for England and Wales confirmed the application on 3 July 2026, but a judge must first grant permission before a hearing can be scheduled.

The sentencing, handed down in June 2025, imposed a life term with a minimum of 21 years before eligibility for release. Attorney General Ellie Reeves has also lodged an appeal, arguing the sentence may be too lenient. Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating whether officers who arrived on scene breached discipline by handcuffing Nowak and failing to provide first aid, as shown in released police‑camera footage. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the case raises "serious questions" that must be answered, and the victim’s father has criticised the perceived disparity in treatment of his son and the killer.