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Henry Nowak's killer given permission to appeal length of 21-year minimum term

Vickrum Digwa has been given permission to appeal the length of his life sentence for murdering Henry Nowak. The Court of Appeal will hear it on 5 November alongside the Attorney General's challenge that the sentence was too lenient.

5 outlets · 1L · 1C · 3R First reported Account updated

Updated (version 3). Rewritten with the latest reporting. Previously: “Henry Nowak's killer given permission to appeal 21-year minimum term”.

Image: GB News
Image: Daily Mirror
Image: Daily Express
Image: Daily Mail

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The story, neutrally told

Vickrum Digwa, who murdered 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, has been given permission to appeal the length of his sentence. Digwa, 23, was jailed for life in June with a minimum term of 21 years; the Court of Appeal will hear the challenge on 5 November. The court will also consider a referral by the Attorney General's office, which argues the sentence was too lenient, and the two will be heard together, leaving it able to raise, lower or keep the term.

Digwa has separately applied to appeal his murder conviction, and that application is being decided separately. Nowak was stabbed in Southampton in December 2025, after which Digwa lied to police that he was the victim of a racist attack. The case sparked protests after police body-worn footage showed officers handcuffing Nowak rather than giving first aid while he said he could not breathe.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating two officers for potential gross misconduct, and is also examining whether race or religion played a part in their decisions, according to the Express and Mail. The BBC reports that more than 30 people have been charged with violent disorder over the 2 June protests in Southampton, and that Sikh leaders have reported a backlash and more hate crime. The Mail adds that an inspection of Hampshire Police has begun at the request of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.

Left1 outlet

Framing
Short, factual report led by the appeal permission, with the Solicitor General's June statement quoted at length.
Emphasis
The Attorney General's referral and Reeves's quote about the family's loss; the Criminal Appeal Office as source.
Leaves out or plays down
Omits the IOPC investigation, the protests' aftermath and the Sikh community backlash.
For example
“No sentence can ever undo the devastation that Henry’s family have suffered, or fill the void left by his loss.” — Daily Mirror

Centre1 outlet

Framing
Straight news report led by the Court of Appeal date and the possibility of a longer or shorter term, with wider context on disorder and community impact.
Emphasis
Court process, protest disorder charges, injuries to police, and Sikh leaders' reports of a backlash.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not mention the IOPC examining race or religion, or the HMICFRS inspection.
For example
“Twelve police officers and a police dog were injured during the protests in Southampton on 2 June.” — BBC News

Right3 outlets

Framing
Frames the permission to appeal as shocking and centres police failings and the IOPC inquiry; the Mail highlights Digwa's Sikh faith and knife.
Emphasis
Police conduct, the officer's 'Don't think you have mate' remark, Starmer's 'serious questions', a calls for an inquiry, and the HMICFRS inspection.
Leaves out or plays down
Right-leaning coverage largely skips the disorder charges and the Sikh community backlash reported by the BBC.
Charged language
“bombshell ruling”“The Sikh man who stabbed Henry Nowak to death”“the green light”
For example
“Henry Nowak's killer has been given permission to appeal his prison sentence in a bombshell ruling.” — Daily Express
“Mr Nowak had told police on the scene he had been stabbed, only for one to scoff, 'Don't think you have mate'.” — Daily Mail