Vickrum Digwa seeks appeal and refuses transfer to high‑risk prison wing

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted in May 2026 of murdering 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak in Southampton and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. The case was referred to the Court of Appeal as potentially “unduly lenient”, and Digwa has now lodged an application to have his conviction quashed and his sentence reduced.

While his appeal is pending, Digwa is being held in segregation at HMP Frankland in County Durham. He refused a move to the prison’s A‑wing – the same unit where convicted child killer Ian Huntley was fatally attacked earlier in the year – citing fear for his safety. As a result, he spends up to 23 hours a day in isolation, with limited access to television, a small wind‑up radio, and restricted exercise periods under close supervision.

The murder sparked violent protests in Southampton after body‑cam footage showed Henry Nowak being handcuffed while dying. Two police officers are under investigation for possible gross misconduct, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met the victim’s family at Downing Street, calling the case “awful” and expressing a desire for a legacy beyond the tragedy.