Henry Nowak's killer appeals conviction and sentence

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Henry Nowak's killer appeals conviction and sentenceImage source, Hampshire and Isle of Wight ConstabularyImage caption, Vickrum Digwa was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years for Henry Nowak's murderPublished3 July 2026, 16:35 BSTUpdated 3 minutes agoThe man who murdered student Henry Nowak is seeking to appeal against his conviction and sentence, the Court of Appeal has confirmed. Vickrum Digwa was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years in June after fatally stabbing the 18-year-old in Southampton last December. The sentence has already been referred to the Court of Appeal as "unduly lenient" by the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves.

But on Friday, the court confirmed Digwa is seeking to appeal against his conviction and sentence. No date for either the appeal or the bid to increase the sentence has been set, with no details provided about Digwa's challenge. After stabbing Henry, Digwa lied to police that he was the victim of a racist attack.

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The case later sparked protests after police body-worn footage was released showing officers failing to give him first aid and instead handcuffing him as he lay dying, despite him telling officers he could not breathe. When Digwa was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court, Henry's father Mark Nowak said the difference between the way the killer and his son were treated was "unbearable". Get in touchDo you have a story Hampshire & Isle of Wight should cover?

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The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.