PCC reacts to Court of Appeal referral for Henry Nowak’s murderer

The jail sentence of Vickrum Digwa, who was convicted of the murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton, has been referred to the Court of Appeal by the solicitor general under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

Digwa, 23, was jailed for life and given a minimum term of 21 years by Judge William Mousley KC at Southampton Crown Court on June 1.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said she hoped the referral would help to bring justice to Nowak’s family.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I welcome the decision by the Solicitor General to refer Vickrum Digwa’s sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

“The murder of Henry Nowak has shocked communities up and down the country.

“Digwa was cold and callous in the lies he told, and he subjected Henry to a terrifying ordeal.

“While no sentence can ever reflect the true value of Henry’s life, or ease the pain of those he has left behind, it is right for the courts to carefully review whether the original sentence was sufficient.

“It is also right the police’s handling of this case remains under review.

“It is vital that the public has confidence in every part of the criminal justice system, from the initial response through to sentencing, especially when it comes to the most heinous of crimes.”