Sikh convicted of killing student Henry Nowak files appeal in UK courts

Vickrum Digwa, a 23‑year‑old Sikh, was sentenced on 1 June to life imprisonment with a 21‑year minimum for the murder of 18‑year‑old student Henry Nowak in Southampton in December. On Friday the Court of Appeal confirmed it had received an appeal against the sentence from Digwa’s defence, while the UK government has also sought a review, arguing the term is too lenient. No hearing date has been set for either request.

The case provoked public outrage and far‑right protests in Southampton, after video showed police initially arresting the victim and handcuffing him despite his injuries. The Independent Office for Police Conduct opened an investigation into the two officers who first arrived at the scene, and Hampshire Police issued an apology. The murder and subsequent appeals have drawn attention from political figures and media personalities, including commentary on social platform X.