Man Jailed for Life in Murder of 18-Year-Old Student in Southampton

Vickrum Digwa, 23, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, who was fatally stabbed in Southampton in December 2025. The court heard that Digwa used a Sikh ceremonial knife during the attack, which led to Nowak’s death.

The Incident

According to reports, Henry Nowak, described by the court as a “much-loved, kind, hard-working, and ambitious young man,” was on his way home from a university class when he was attacked. The prosecution stated that Digwa, who is of Sikh heritage, used an eight-inch ceremonial knife to stab Nowak multiple times. The exact circumstances of the attack remain under investigation, but the court was told that Digwa claimed he had been racially abused prior to the incident.

The Daily Mail reported that the attack occurred in December 2025, though the specific date was not disclosed in the sentencing details. Nowak, a finance student, was described as a promising individual with a bright future, according to the BBC.

The Trial and Sentencing

Digwa was found guilty of murder and sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Monday. Judge William Mousley KC emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating that Digwa had “robbed him of all those he loved, all the things he cared about, and liked to do.” The judge added that Nowak “would have been expected to live a long and hopefully happy and fulfilling life.”

Digwa was given a minimum term of 21 years in prison, meaning he will not be eligible for parole until at least 20