Man guilty of murdering student with ceremonial Sikh knife in Southampton

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was found guilty on May 28 of murdering 18-year-old University of Southampton student Henry Nowak with a 21cm (8in) ceremonial Sikh knife in Southampton on December 3. The jury at Southampton Crown Court rejected Digwa's claim of self-defence, which he described as a "wicked lie" that Nowak had used a racist insult, punched him and knocked his turban off.

Nowak, a first-year accountancy and finance student from Chafford Hundred, Essex, was walking back to his accommodation after a night out when he was attacked on Belmont Road at about 23:30 GMT. He was stabbed five times, including twice in the back of the legs, once in the face and a fatal wound to the chest. Neighbours heard Nowak say he had been stabbed and was dying; he attempted to escape by climbing over a fence, leaving a trail of blood.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after officers initially handcuffed and arrested Nowak as he lost consciousness. Temporary deputy chief constable Robert France apologised, saying officers "were lied to in the 999 call by Henry's killer" and "lied to as they arrived at the scene." He added: "It is a tragedy that officers did not immediately understand what had happened to Henry. I'm sorry that he had been handcuffed and arrested as he lost consciousness. I don't want to hide the facts."

The 999 call was made by Digwa's brother, Gurpreet Digwa, who repeatedly told police his sibling had been "attacked racially" and that the brothers were restraining Nowak, saying "I can't let him go until this gets sorted." He told officers there were no weapons involved. Digwa gave the knife to his mother, and police later found it at their family home along with more than 20 other Sikh weapons.

Digwa was also found guilty of carrying a knife in public. His mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was found guilty of assisting an offender. Kaur appeared visibly upset in the dock as the verdict was read out, while Digwa showed little emotion. Sobs were heard from the public gallery; Nowak's family let out a sigh and hugged as they left. Digwa will be sentenced on Monday at Southampton Crown Court; Kaur will be sentenced on July 17.

Chris Philp, Conservative shadow home secretary, called the officers' actions "shameful," saying: "The police seemed more interested in cuffing someone accused of making a racist comment than in saving a dying man. They believed his attacker's allegations of racism without critical assessment."

The Sikh Federation UK said in a statement that the large blade used by Digwa "was not the normal Kirpan worn by fully practising Sikhs" and described the killing as "a moment of madness by an individual for which there can be no excuses." The statement added: "This was an isolated incident, the Sikh community is committed to promoting greater understanding and ensuring lessons are learned."

Nowak's family paid tribute to him as "our kind, intelligent and talented son," saying: "Our hearts ache when we think of the bright future he had ahead of him, full of opportunity and adventures. Our world will never be the same without our amazing Henry." Professor Jane Falkingham, vice-president of engagement and international at the University of Southampton, said: "Today is a day to remember Henry, who touched many lives and made many friends during the tragically short time he was with us."