Weapons-obsessed killer jailed for student's murder

A weapons-obsessed killer who stabbed a student to death has been jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, used a 21cm (8in) blade he said he carried as part of his Sikh faith to kill 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was walking home alone after a night out with friends in Southampton on 3 December.

The victim, from Essex, was handcuffed by police as he lay dying at the scene after Digwa lied, claiming he was racially abused by the teen and acted in self defence.

Judge William Mousley KC told a packed Southampton Crown Court Digwa had brought "shame" upon his family and his religion.

He dismissed the racism claims made by Digwa adding that his actions had "stirred up racial tension in Southampton and across the country which have made many Sikhs worried about their safety".

"You were sober but were carrying a large Sikh dagger," Mousley said.

He added that Digwa murdered "a much loved" young man, inflicting a "lifetime of loss upon his family".

A verbal altercation broke out in court between relatives and friends of Nowak and Digwa as he was sent down from the dock.

Security guards and family members quickly intervened to diffuse the situation.

Speaking outside court, the victim's father Mark Nowak, said the contrast between how his son and Digwa were treated was "unbearable".

"Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," he said, calling it "inhumane and degrading".

He added Digwa "was afforded decency" and "we understand, he was never handcuffed at all".

He called for a "full, fearless and transparent" investigation into the police handling of the case adding that the family "should not have to fight for the truth".

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Inside the courtroom, Mark Nowak said he was "tormented" by thoughts of his son's death.

"I couldn't help Henry in his final moments and there is nothing I can do to bring him back," he said.

The devastated father's voice broke as he finished speaking, he said: "To my dying son, who I love beyond words, I'm so sorry that I let this happen."

Prosecuting barrister Nicholas Lobbenberg KC said Digwa had a "weapons obsession", adding that his depiction to police of Nowak as a "racist, drunk, violent aggressor compounds the natural grief and loss of the deceased's family".

Previously, the court heard that Nowak, a first-year student at the University of Southampton from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was walking back to his accommodation after drinking to a level that was below the drink-drive limit.

Digwa was in Belmont Road at about 23:30 GMT with the murder weapon in a sheath attached to his belt.

The court was told the attack was not witnessed, but neighbours heard Nowak say he had been stabbed and was dying.