‘Henry Should Still Be Here’: Killer’s Minimum Sentence Increased to 25 Years

6th November 20266th November 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Henry Nowak, Killer, Knife Crime, Murder min read

The man who murdered 18-year-old Henry Nowak has had his minimum prison term increased from 21 to 25 years, following a Court of Appeal ruling that his original sentence was unduly lenient. But while the decision marks a significant development in the family’s fight for justice, no sentence can ever bring Henry back or undo the devastating loss of a much-loved son.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was originally sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years at Southampton Crown Court on 1 June 2026, after being convicted of Henry’s murder and possessing a bladed article.

On Thursday 5 November, the Court of Appeal increased the minimum term to 25 years after Attorney General Ellie Reeves referred the case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

Digwa had also challenged his sentence, arguing that it was too severe. However, the Court of Appeal rejected his challenge and ruled that the original minimum term had not adequately reflected the seriousness of the murder.

The court heard how Digwa had stabbed Henry repeatedly with a large dagger in Southampton on 3 December 2025, despite the 18-year-old being unarmed.

Following the attack, Digwa filmed Henry as he tried to get away and continued filming as he lay dying. He also lied to police about what had happened and arranged for the murder weapon to be removed.

The judges considered the repeated use of the weapon, the cruelty that followed the stabbing and the attempts to obstruct the investigation when reaching their decision.

The increased minimum term represents a significant change to the original sentence. Digwa will receive credit for time already spent in custody.

A Family Left With a Lifetime of Grief

The court decision came as Henry’s family continued to speak publicly about the devastating circumstances surrounding his death.

An ITV Tonight documentary broadcast on Thursday evening brought renewed attention to the events surrounding the killing and the family’s continuing concerns about the police response.

For viewers, the programme presented deeply distressing accounts of what happened to a young man who should have had his whole life ahead of him.

For Henry’s family, however, this is not simply a distressing story watched on television. It is the loss of their son, brother and loved one, a loss they will carry for the rest of their lives.

No parent should have to bury their child. Henry should still be here today.

The family’s concerns about the police response are separate from the Court of Appeal’s decision on Digwa’s sentence. The increased minimum term does not resolve those questions, which remain an important part of the family’s continuing search for answers.

The family have also spoken about their determination to campaign for changes to knife laws, hoping that lessons can be learned from the tragedy and that other families will not have to endure a similar loss.

No Sentence Can Bring Henry Back

The increased minimum term means Digwa will have to serve a longer period in prison before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.

But for Henry’s family, the reality remains unchanged. The years he should have had, the milestones they should have shared and the future they should have watched him enjoy have been taken away.

The Court of Appeal has increased the sentence, but no prison term can restore what this family has lost.

Henry Nowak was just 18.

Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved him.

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