Attorney general urges longer term for Henry Nowak’s killer at appeal hearing

The Guardian reported that the attorney general has challenged the sentence handed to Vickrum Digwa, describing it as ‘unduly lenient’. Digwa, 23, was convicted of murdering 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak in Southampton in December last year and received a life term with a minimum of 21 years in June.

At the court of appeal, officials argued that Digwa’s false accusations of racism against his victim and his claim of a religious right to carry a knife should have warranted a longer term. Digwa’s lawyer countered that the sentence is ‘excessive’. The appeal hearing will consider whether the original punishment should be increased.

The case highlights the tension between claims of religious freedom and the seriousness of violent crime, as the court weighs the appropriate length of imprisonment for a murder conviction.

Why it matters

The appeal could alter the minimum time Digwa must serve, affecting the balance between sentencing standards and claims of religious rights.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

5 Nov 2026, 18:45 IST

Key names

Henry Nowak, Vickrum Digwa, Southampton, Digwa

Section

World

Figure cited

Digwa, 23, was jailed in June for life with a minimum term of 21 years for murdering Nowak, 18, in an attack in Southampton in December last year. (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianHenry Nowak’s killer should have had longer sentence, court of appeal hears 5 Nov, 18:45

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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