THE family of a Thurrock teenager stabbed to death at university have taken centre stage today (Monday, 1 June) with condemnation of police after their son's weapons-obsessed killer was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, used an illegal eight-inch blade he said he carried as part of his Sikh faith to kill 18-year-old Chafford Hundred student Henry Nowak, who was walking home alone after a pre-Christmas night out with fellow students and friends in Southampton, where he was studying at university.

As police responded, Henry, who had been struck with a mortal blow, was handcuffed as he lay dying at the scene after Digwa lied, claiming he was racially abused by the teen and acted in self-defence.

Today, Judge William Mousley told a packed Southampton Crown Court Digwa had brought "shame" upon his family and his religion.

Body cam footage released by the Crown Prosecution Service, with the family's permission, shows officers arriving at the scene and speaking to Digwa and others.

Henry, who is seen on the ground in the video, can be heard saying: "I've been stabbed" and "I can't breathe" multiple times.

The footage shows officers turning Henry onto his side and handcuffing his hands behind his back.

After a couple of minutes, Henry becomes unresponsive. An officer proceeds to tell him he is under arrest for assault. The police then contact an ambulance to check on his condition.

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In the wake of today's court case, Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France apologised and said officers had been lied to in a 999 call made by Digwa's brother and had faced an "extremely complex" crime scene.

Judge Mousley dismissed the racism claims made by Digwa, adding his actions had "stirred up racial tension in Southampton and across the country which have made many Sikhs worried about their safety".

"You were sober but were carrying a large Sikh dagger," the judge said. He added Digwa had murdered a "much-loved" young man, inflicting a "lifetime of loss upon his family".

Speaking outside court, the victim's father, Mark Nowak, said the contrast between how his son and Digwa had been treated was "unbearable".

"Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," he said, calling it "inhumane and degrading".

Mr Nowak added Digwa "was afforded decency" and "we understand, he was never handcuffed at all. Henry did not die with dignity. He did not die with the care he deserved. He lost consciousness before anyone believed him."

He called for a "full, fearless and transparent" investigation into the police handling of the case, adding the family "should not have to fight for the truth".

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

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Video comes with strong warning:-

Inside the courtroom, Mr Nowak had said he was "tormented" by thoughts of his son's death.

"I couldn't help Henry in his final moments and there is nothing I can do to bring him back," he said.

With his voice breaking as he finished speaking, he said: "To my dying son, who I love beyond words, I'm so sorry that I let this happen."

Prosecuting barrister Nicholas Lobbenberg KC said Digwa had a "weapons obsession", adding his depiction to police of Henry Nowak as a "racist, drunk, violent aggressor compounds the natural grief and loss of the deceased's family".

Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer commented on the case in a post on social media site X, where he said: "This an awful, shocking case.

"Henry's loved ones have gone through the trauma of a long trial and endured Henry's killer making up appalling claims about their son who was thoughtful, kind and deeply loved.

"It is right that the IOPC is investigating the police's response to his senseless murder. And we must end the cycle of tragedy by tackling the horror of knife crime.

Henry was a first-year student at the University of Southampton. The court heard previously how he had been walking back to his accommodation after drinking to a level that was below the drink-drive limit.

Digwa was in Belmont Road at about 11.30pm with the murder weapon in a sheath attached to his belt.

The court was told the attack was not witnessed, but neighbours heard Nowak say he had been stabbed and was dying.

He tried to escape by climbing over a fence, leaving a trail of blood behind him.

The prosecution said he was stabbed five times, including twice in the back of his legs, once in the face and a fatal wound to the chest.

Digwa gave the knife to his mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, and it was later found by police at their family home along with more than 20 other weapons. Kaur was found guilty of assisting an offender

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones described the incident as a "national tragedy".

She said it was "devastating" officers did not believe Henry when he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe.

"The details of the police response raises serious concerns about police impartiality, fairness and judgement," she added.

She said any findings made in the IOPC would be "implemented without delay".

Speaking outside court, Mr Mark Nowak, said the contrast between how his son and Digwa had been treated was "unbearable".

"Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," he said, calling it "inhumane and degrading".

"Henry did not die with dignity. He did not die with the care he deserved. He lost consciousness before anyone believed him," he said.

He called for a "full, fearless and transparent" investigation into the police handling of the case, adding the family "should not have to fight for the truth".