Full Breakdown
Vickrum Digwa Relocated to HMP Frankland Amid Inmate Threats
6/20/2026, 8:54:35 PM
Relocation and Immediate Threats
Twenty-three-year-old Vickrum Digwa, convicted of murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, was transferred from Winchester prison to the high-security HMP Frankland in County Durham. Prison staff have placed him under constant surveillance because other inmates have threatened him, and he is subject to welfare checks every fifteen minutes.
Background: Murder of Henry Nowak and Sentencing
Digwa was sentenced last month for stabbing Henry Nowak with a Sikh ceremonial knife after making false claims that the attack was racially motivated. The court imposed a minimum tariff of 21 years, which Digwa is now appealing on grounds of undue leniency.
HMP Frankland: Reputation and Recent Violence
HMP Frankland, nicknamed “Monster Mansion,” houses several high-profile offenders, including Levi Bellfield and former police officer Wayne Couzens. The prison has experienced multiple violent incidents, such as the February beating death of Soham child killer Ian Huntley and an April 2025 assault by Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi on three officers.
Prisoner Status and Restrictions
As an “enhanced” category prisoner—the highest of three tiers—Digwa receives £33 in weekly spending money and access to gym, workshop, and telephone facilities. He is barred from contacting his 27-year-old brother Gurpreet, who faces weapons charges, and his mother Kiran Kaur, convicted of assisting an offender.
Official Prison Responses
Prison authorities state that Digwa’s relocation was undertaken for security reasons. Staff conduct fifteen-minute interval welfare checks and maintain continuous monitoring to prevent self-harm or attacks. Communication bans have been imposed.
Criticism and Concerns
A source close to the situation told The Sun that Digwa “was okay at Winchester and wanted to stay there, and no prison governor really wanted him,” indicating dissatisfaction with his transfer. Observers note that the threats echo the violent environment that led to Huntley’s death. No official explanation has been given for why governors opposed his stay at Winchester, highlighting a gap between the security rationale and the source’s account.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Digwa was okay at Winchester and wanted to stay there, and no prison governor really wanted him. So to say he's frightened now is an understatement.” — Source close to the situation, The Sun
- “He's cowering in his cell and doesn't want to mix.” — Source close to the situation, The Sun
- “He's already had threats and is aware of what happened to Huntley.” — Source close to the situation, The Sun
- “He's in a really bad situation and knows it not that anyone feels sorry for him.” — Source close to the situation, The Sun
- “HMP Frankland has earned the grim nickname "Monster Mansion" owing to the notorious criminals housed within its walls.” — Article text
What’s Next
Digwa’s appeal of his 21-year minimum tariff is pending. The intensive fifteen-minute welfare checks are scheduled to be reduced after an unspecified period, while prison officials continue to assess his safety within HMP Frankland.
