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Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old first-year university student from Chafford Hundred, Essex, tragically lost his life in Southampton, leading to a murder trial involving 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa. The proceedings at Southampton Crown Court revealed that Nowak, who was studying accountancy and finance at the University of Southampton, was returning to his residence after a night out on December 3 when he crossed paths with Digwa on Belmont Road.

Prosecutors indicated that although Nowak had been drinking, he was under the legal limit for driving. During his walk home, he was reportedly sending Snapchat videos to friends, capturing the initial moments of the confrontation. Evidence presented in court showed that Digwa was armed with a shastar, a type of knife with an 8-inch blade, which he had concealed in a sheath around his neck.

Footage played for the jury depicted an exchange where Nowak confronted Digwa, saying, “You’re a bad man, say you’re a bad man,” to which Digwa responded affirmatively. Shortly thereafter, it is alleged that Nowak was fatally stabbed.

While the attack itself was not directly witnessed, nearby residents reported hearing Nowak claim he had been stabbed and was in distress. Jurors learned that he attempted to flee by climbing over a fence, leaving a blood trail that suggested he had already sustained life-threatening injuries. A post-mortem examination revealed that Nowak had suffered four stab wounds, although earlier testimonies mentioned five wounds during the incident.

Digwa has pleaded not guilty to murder and to carrying a knife in public. He contended in court that he acted in self-defense, claiming he was punched, subjected to racial abuse, and had his turban forcibly removed during the altercation. He expressed fear that Nowak would use his kirpan against him. Additionally, Digwa's mother, Kiran Kaur, is facing charges for allegedly aiding an offender by removing the weapon from the scene, a charge she also denies.