Sikh man convicted of murdering UK student in Southampton stabbing

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted of murder at Southampton Crown Court for killing Henry Nowak on December 3. The 18-year-old student was stabbed to death while walking home from a night out. Digwa used a 21cm ceremonial blade, according to BBC reporting.

The confrontation occurred on Belmont Road shortly before 11.30pm. The two men brushed past each other on the pavement as Nowak returned to his accommodation. Digwa claimed Nowak appeared intoxicated and became aggressive during the exchange.

Digwa told the court that Nowak used a racial slur, punched him, and pulled off his turban during the struggle. Digwa said he feared the teenager would use the kirpan—the blade worn in a sheath around his neck—against him after Nowak grabbed at it. The defendant presented this as a self-defence case.

Jurors rejected Digwa's account and found him guilty of murder. He was also convicted of carrying a knife in public. The court heard that Nowak suffered multiple stab wounds and attempted to escape by climbing over a fence before collapsing.

Digwa's mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was found guilty of assisting an offender. Prosecutors said she removed the weapon from the scene. Emotional scenes filled the courtroom as verdicts were delivered, with members of the public gallery sobbing and Nowak's parents embracing as they left.