The United Kingdom attorney general's office has announced it may reconsider a killer's 21-year jail sentence after receiving multiple requests to review it under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.
Case Background
On Monday, Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced in Southampton Crown Court to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years for the fatal stabbing of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old finance student. The incident occurred on December 3, 2025, in Southampton.
Digwa, who is Sikh, claimed Nowak had racially abused him, knocked off his turban, and grabbed him by the hair. However, during the trial, prosecutors dismissed the racism allegation as a wicked lie and stated that Digwa deceived officers at the scene by denying the stabbing.
Body Camera Footage
Body-worn police camera footage, released with the consent of Nowak's family, shows the victim collapsed on his side, repeatedly stating he had been stabbed and could not breathe. Despite his pleas, an officer responded, "Don't think you have, mate," and proceeded to handcuff him. The three-minute video captures Nowak being forced to sit up and handcuffed while officers checked for wounds. He had been stabbed five times, including two wounds to the back of his legs and a fatal chest injury.
Public and Political Reaction
Nowak's death has sparked widespread outrage in Britain. Conservative Party leader Nigel Farage criticized the sentence, alleging a two-tier justice system where white victims are undervalued. In contrast, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged calm, stating that anger is not the solution.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his horror after viewing the footage, describing it as harrowing and calling Nowak a kind, thoughtful young man. Nowak's family condemned the police response as inhumane and degrading, with his father Mark urging the government to treat knife crime as a national emergency.
Legal Process
The attorney general's office confirmed that multiple requests for a sentence review have been received. Under the unduly lenient sentence scheme, law officers have 28 days from sentencing to decide whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal. A spokesperson stated that the case is being carefully considered.
