Digwa, 23, was jailed for life last month and ordered to serve a minimum term of 21 years after being convicted over the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton. The case has already triggered major public anger, not only because of the nature of the crime, but also because of the way Henry was treated by officers after the incident.
The application comes at the same time as Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC has asked for the sentence to be reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The Court of Appeal has confirmed that the case had already been referred to them on that basis before Digwa lodged his own appeal attempt.
Vickrum Digwa was given a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years in prison for the murder
Henry, a finance student at the University of Southampton, was described by his family as kind and talented. The court previously heard that Digwa did not know him before the fatal encounter. After the incident, Digwa claimed Henry had used racist abuse, struck him and knocked off his turban, but the sentencing judge rejected that account.
Judge William Mousley said he was sure Henry had said nothing racist, adding that the claim was completely at odds with Henry’s character. The case became even more distressing after police bodycam footage showed Henry handcuffed while seriously injured. He was heard telling officers that he could not breathe before he died.
The footage led to widespread outrage and prompted serious questions about the police response. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously said the footage made him feel sick and that the case raised serious issues that needed answers.
Murderer Vickrum Digwa is seen telling police the teenager ripped off his turban in a racist attack. This was later described as a ‘wicked lie’
Gurpreet Digwa called 999 and told police: ‘We’ve just been attacked racially by some white person’ after his brother had stabbed Henry Nowak six times with a Sikh ceremonial sword
The controversy widened further after it emerged that Digwa’s brother, Gurpreet, was not charged. He had told officers that the brothers had been racially attacked, and concerns have since been raised about whether his role should be examined again. An online petition has called for a renewed investigation.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is also investigating two officers who attended the scene. The watchdog is looking at whether there were failures to recognise Henry needed urgent medical attention, to respond properly when he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and to decide whether arresting and handcuffing him was appropriate in the circumstances.
Ellie Reeves KC previously described the case as horrifying, while acknowledging that no sentence could undo the devastation suffered by Henry’s loved ones. She said the referral was made after careful consideration and expressed hope that it would help bring the family closer to the justice they deserve.
For Henry’s family, the new appeal bid is likely to reopen already painful wounds. What began as a criminal case has now become a wider test of justice, accountability and public trust in how serious incidents are handled from the first emergency call to the final court decision.
