Killer's sentence appeal to be heard at Royal Courts of Justice

The Court of Appeal will on Thursday consider competing challenges to the sentence handed down to Vickrum Digwa for the murder of Henry Nowak. Digwa, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years in June, is seeking to have his sentence reduced, arguing it is 'manifestly excessive'. The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves, has also referred the sentence to the court, contending that it is 'unduly lenient'.

Details of the hearing

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10am at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Three senior judges, including Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Mr Justice Nicklin, and Mr Justice Wall, will preside over the case. Digwa was jailed after stabbing 18-year-old Mr Nowak with a 21cm blade in Southampton on December 3 last year. Mr Nowak, who was from Chafford Hundred, Essex, died at the scene.

Investigations into police handling

The murder of Mr Nowak and the subsequent actions of Hampshire Police have prompted several investigations. Body-worn video footage showed officers handcuffing Mr Nowak as he lay dying, after Digwa falsely claimed the teenager had racially abused him. This incident led to an independent review, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, which will examine Mr Nowak's murder and any missed opportunities to intervene. Separately, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services began an investigation into the force's procedures following a request from police and crime commissioner Donna Jones. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is also investigating two officers for potential gross misconduct concerning their interactions with Mr Nowak on the night he was stabbed, and whether race or religion influenced their decisions.

Digwa is also attempting to appeal his conviction, though a decision on whether this challenge will proceed has not yet been made.