A man has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing a university student with a Sikh kirpan knife after declaring himself a “bad man.” Vickrum Digwa, 23, attacked 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, resulting in multiple stab wounds, including a fatal one to the heart on December 3, 2025.

Prior to the murder, Digwa falsely claimed to have been racially attacked by Nowak, painting a distorted narrative. The court heard how Digwa, captured on video, confessed to his victim moments before the fatal act. Despite his defense of self-protection, the court found him guilty of murder and carrying a bladed weapon in public. His mother, Kiran Kaur, was also convicted for aiding Digwa by removing the weapon from the scene.

During the sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, emotional scenes unfolded as the victim’s family and friends clashed with Digwa’s associates. Amid the tension, Elon Musk offered to fund a private prosecution against the police, and an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct was initiated.

Mark Nowak, Henry’s father, expressed profound grief at the hearing, lamenting his inability to protect his son and the heart-wrenching uncertainty surrounding the tragic events. Olivia, Henry’s sister, conveyed the deep bond they shared, emphasizing that Digwa’s actions were inconceivable if he had truly known her brother.

Prosecutor Nicholas Lobbenberg KC highlighted Digwa’s disturbing affection for weapons, detailing his possession of multiple knives. Despite Sikhs being allowed to carry kirpan knives discreetly, Digwa flaunted his weapons openly, showcasing a concerning obsession with arms.

Following the sentencing, Mark Nowak demanded a thorough investigation into the police’s handling of the case, stressing the family’s right to the truth. He criticized the authorities for failing to respond effectively to Henry’s distress calls, leading to a tragic outcome. The family holds Digwa accountable for the murder but condemns the unjust treatment Henry faced in his final moments, contrasting sharply with the respect accorded to his killer.