Police Video Exposes Digwa's Lies in 18-Year-Old Henry Nowak Murder as Handcuff Row Deepens
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 26
Police Video Exposes Digwa's Lies in 18-Year-Old Henry Nowak Murder as Handcuff Row Deepens
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 26
Summary
Newly released bodycam footage shows Vickrum Digwa repeatedly telling officers false self-defence and racial-attack claims after fatally stabbing 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, while never mentioning that he had stabbed him multiple times.
Eight minutes passed before officers found the fatal chest wound because they initially did not believe Henry when he said he had been stabbed; medics declared him dead at 00:37 GMT.
Hampshire police also confirmed Digwa was never handcuffed during the arrest scene or in four days of custody, backing the Nowak family's account and sharpening criticism after Henry was handcuffed as he lay dying.
Trial evidence had already undermined Digwa's story: prosecutors said video showed his hair neatly tied after the stabbing, contradicting his claim Henry pulled off his turban before he "stabbed out twice".
The force has apologized to the family, the IOPC is investigating officers' actions, Digwa's 21-year minimum life term has been referred to the Court of Appeal, and a full inquest is due next year.