The Court of Appeal has granted leave to appeal against the sentence given to the man convicted of murdering Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old university student.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was found guilty of Nowak's murder following a trial at Southampton Crown Court and was sentenced in June 2026 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years, according to GB News.
Digwa is appealing on the grounds that his sentence is too harsh, while the Attorney General is separately appealing, arguing the sentence is too lenient, according to GB News.
The Court of Appeal is set to hear the case on November 5, according to GB News, which cited ITV. The court will decide whether to reduce or lengthen the 21-year minimum term, according to BBC News.
How each side covered it
Center
- BBC News and BBC Sport reported that the killer was given leave to appeal his sentence.
- BBC News noted the Court of Appeal will decide in November whether to reduce or lengthen the 21-year minimum term.
“Nowak killer given leave to appeal against sentence” — BBC News
Right
- The Telegraph and Daily Express reported that Henry Nowak's killer was allowed to appeal his sentence.
- GB News identified the killer as Vickrum Digwa, 23, convicted at Southampton Crown Court in May 2026.
- GB News reported Digwa was sentenced in June 2026 to life imprisonment with a 21-year minimum term.
- GB News reported the Attorney General is also appealing, arguing the sentence is too lenient, with a hearing set for November 5.
“Henry Nowak's killer allowed to appeal his sentence in bombshell ruling” — Daily Express
Questions readers ask
What happened in the Henry Nowak murder case?
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted of murdering 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak and sentenced to life imprisonment with a 21-year minimum term. The Court of Appeal has now given him permission to appeal that sentence.
When will the appeal be heard?
According to GB News, citing ITV, the Court of Appeal will hear the case on November 5.
Why is the sentence being appealed?
Vickrum Digwa is appealing on the grounds that his sentence is too harsh, while the Attorney General is separately appealing on the grounds that it is too lenient, according to GB News.
What could the Court of Appeal decide?
According to BBC News, the Court of Appeal will decide in November whether to reduce or lengthen the 21-year minimum term given to Digwa.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- BBC NewsCenterNowak killer given leave to appeal against sentence
- BBC SportCenterNowak killer given leave to appeal against sentence
- Daily ExpressRight-leaningHenry Nowak's killer allowed to appeal his sentence in bombshell ruling
- GB NewsRight-leaningHenry Nowak's killer Vickrum Digwa given permission to appeal prison sentence for murder of teenager
- The TelegraphRight-leaningHenry Nowak’s killer allowed to appeal against sentence