WHAT HAPPENED
The night Henry was failed by the system.
On a cold winter evening in Southampton, 18-year-old Henry Nowak was stabbed five times by Vickrum Digwa with a 21cm kirpan — a blade carried as part of his Sikh faith.
When police arrived, Digwa lied and claimed he was the victim, saying Henry had "racially abused" him. Officers believed the lie.
Henry lay bleeding on the ground. He told officers repeatedly: "I've been stabbed." He said nine times: "I can't breathe."
One officer responded: "I don't think you have mate." Henry was handcuffed behind his back while he bled out. He drowned in his own blood.
The killer was given dignity. Henry was not. Digwa was not handcuffed. Officers even took him to choose food while in custody.
Henry's father's words at sentencing:
"He should be on the pitch playing and laughing with his friends. Henry should still be here. The first Christmas without him I slept in his room."
Henry with his mother — the life that was stolen
The killer looked bored and uninterested while Henry's family sobbed delivering victim impact statements.
THE INJUSTICE TIMELINE
01
Stabbing: Henry attacked with ceremonial blade. He pleads for help.
02
The Lie: Killer claims racial abuse. Police believe the aggressor over the dying victim.
03
Handcuffed & Ignored: Henry tells officers he can't breathe. They laugh. They cuff him. He dies.
04
Sentencing: Killer jailed for life (min. 21 years). IOPC investigates police. Bodycam footage still withheld.