Full Breakdown
Murder of Henry Nowak: Body-Worn Video Exposes Perpetrator’s False Claims and Police Disparities
6/26/2026, 10:06:49 PM
Murder, Conviction, and Release of Body-Worn Video
On a night in December, Vickrum Digwa stabbed 18-year-old Southampton university student Henry Nowak multiple times. Hampshire Police arrested Digwa, who spent four days in custody before being charged. In a trial earlier this month, a judge sentenced Digwa to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. Following a request by the BBC, police released body-worn video from the night of the killing. The footage shows Digwa repeatedly telling officers he had been “racially attacked” and that Henry was “obviously drunk.” It also confirms that Henry lay dying in handcuffs while Digwa was never handcuffed during his detention.
Background & Context: Prior Video and Public Reaction
Earlier in the investigation, video of Henry Nowak in handcuffs was broadcast nationally, provoking outrage and sparking violent disorder in Southampton. The new footage adds a second visual record, intensifying public scrutiny of police handling of both victim and suspect. The footage was obtained after a request to Hampshire Police by the BBC.
Key Figures & Groups
- Vickrum Digwa – Convicted murderer, 27 years old at sentencing, denied any handcuffing while in custody.
- Henry Nowak – Victim, 18-year-old Southampton university student, died from multiple stab wounds.
- Mark Nowak – Father of Henry, spokesperson for the Nowak family.
- Hampshire Police – Investigating authority that provided the body-worn video and confirmed custody conditions.
- BBC – Media organization that obtained the video through a freedom-of-information request.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Hampshire Police issued a statement confirming that Digwa was not handcuffed during his pre-charge detention and that the released footage was intended to promote transparency. In a court-adjacent statement, Mark Nowak condemned the treatment of his son as inhumane and degrading, and contrasted it with the perceived decency shown toward the murderer.
Criticism & Opposition
The Nowak family described the disparity in police treatment as unbearable. They argue that the handcuffing of a dying victim while the perpetrator remained free of restraints reflects a systemic bias that undermines public confidence in law-enforcement practices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “racially attacked” — Vickrum Digwa, to police
- “obviously drunk” — Vickrum Digwa, to police
- “never handcuffed” — Hampshire Police, confirming custody conditions
- “unbearable” — Mark Nowak, describing the contrast in treatment
- “inhumane and degrading” — Mark Nowak, condemning his son’s police handling
