The family of Henry Nowak’s killer has expressed profound remorse for the anguish caused by Vickrum Digwa and issued a formal apology. They acknowledged the harm inflicted on the Nowak family and also admitted to tarnishing the reputation of the Sikh community due to Digwa’s actions.

Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for fatally stabbing 18-year-old Henry with a ceremonial knife in Southampton. Kiran Kaur, Digwa’s mother, is awaiting sentencing for aiding an offender by transporting the murder weapon back to their residence.

In a statement released through Sikh PA, a charity representing the Sikh community, undisclosed family members of Digwa conveyed their deep sorrow for the tragedy. They expressed love for Digwa while simultaneously sympathizing with the Nowak family, emphasizing that both sentiments coexist within them.

The family extended their apologies to the Sikh community for the negative impact of Digwa’s actions and urged against using the tragedy to fuel division or hostility. They requested privacy as they come to terms with the future.

Digwa was convicted at Southampton Crown Court for Henry’s murder, who was fatally stabbed multiple times with a 21cm blade. The court heard that Digwa had a kirpan, a traditional Sikh knife, but also carried the larger murder weapon.

Judge William Mousley KC noted Digwa’s affiliation with the Nihang Sikh order, which permits the carrying of a second knife. However, he emphasized that the larger knife was not a strict requirement within the tradition.

Henry’s family emphasized the need for a balanced approach to law and order, cautioning against unrestricted carrying of long blades in public spaces. They stressed the importance of adhering to existing regulations regarding blade length.

The Crown Prosecution Service clarified that the knife used in the attack was not initially classified as an offensive weapon. Henry’s family reiterated that the case is fundamentally about murder and not about Sikhism or racism.