The family of the 18‑year‑old Southampton student, Henry Nowak, have broken their silence for the first time, describing a grief that struck twice – first when they learned of his death in December 2025, and again when they watched footage showing him being handcuffed while lying mortally wounded. In an exclusive interview for the ITV Tonight documentary *Dear Henry: Our Fight For Justice*, Mark, Katie, Lucy and Olivia Nowak recounted the night police arrived at their home, the emotional collapse of their father, and the devastating video that captured Henry’s final, desperate pleas. Their words come as the killer, Vickrum Digwa, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years on 1 June 2026, his mother Kiran Kaur received a three‑year term for removing the murder weapon, and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an independent review led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk. The documentary is set to air on 5 November 2026 at 9 pm on ITV, ITVX and the ITV News YouTube channel.
First Shock: The Night the Police Came
Katie Nowak remembered the moment the family’s peace was shattered. “I jumped out of bed and I saw the police car on our driveway,” she told ITV. “One of the officers was holding his hat in his hand, and I just knew straight away that something horrific had happened.” As the officers entered the house, Mark Nowak, Henry’s father, fell to his knees. “He let out a cry that I’ll never forget,” Katie added. Mark later described his own reaction: “It was just shock. I just remember saying ‘it’s Henry’ and breaking down in tears. It’s just unbelievable pain.” The family’s first encounter with loss was immediate and visceral, a moment that would forever mark their lives.
The Harrowing Footage That Changed Everything
The family’s anguish deepened when they later watched body‑worn camera footage released by Hampshire Police. In the video, Henry can be heard repeatedly calling out, “I’ve been stabbed,” while an officer replies, “Don’t think you have, mate.” The footage also shows Vickrum Digwa, a 23‑year‑old Sikh man, being handcuffed after falsely accusing Henry of racial abuse. “In the last year, our world has changed twice,” Katie explained. “The first time was the night that we were told that Henry had died. And the second time was when we watched that video.” Lucy Nowak recalled the early‑morning knock on the door: “They said to me, ‘Do you have a son called Henry?… There’s been an altercation. And unfortunately, your son has passed away.’” She added, “No words, no words can explain that feeling.” The footage not only confirmed the circumstances of Henry’s death but also raised serious questions about the police’s conduct in the moments after the stabbing.
Justice Served, but Questions Remain
Vickrum Digwa was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years on 1 June 2026. His mother, Kiran Kaur, was found guilty of assisting an offender after she disposed of the knife used in the attack and received a three‑year prison term. The case sparked widespread political outrage, prompting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to announce an independent review. In a statement to the House of Commons, Ms Mahmood said the review would examine “any missed opportunities to intervene” and would be led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk. Mr Chalk pledged that the inquiry would “follow the evidence without fear or favour” and would also assess “how public authorities treated the Nowak family at a time of unimaginable pain.” He concluded, “They deserve nothing less.” The review is expected to delve into Digwa’s prior history of violent and erratic behaviour, and whether any agencies failed to act on previous complaints.
A New Documentary Brings Their Story to Light
The Nowak family’s experience is being brought to a wider audience through the ITV Tonight documentary *Dear Henry: Our Fight For Justice*. The film, which premiered on 5 November 2026 at 9 pm on ITV, ITVX and the ITV News YouTube channel, offers an intimate look at the family’s journey from the night of the tragedy through the courtroom and into the ongoing quest for answers. Through candid interviews and previously unseen footage, the documentary aims to shine a light on the human cost of violent crime and the complexities of police interaction in crisis situations. It also serves as a platform for the family to share their hopes for justice and systemic change.
Why it Matters
The Nowak family’s harrowing tale underscores the profound impact of violent crime on loved ones and the broader societal implications of how authorities respond in the aftermath. The footage that captured Henry’s final moments has ignited a national conversation about police conduct, especially when dealing with vulnerable individuals who are injured or unconscious. Moreover, the case highlights potential gaps in the system’s ability to intervene in the lives of individuals with a history of violence, raising urgent questions about prevention and early intervention. As the independent review unfolds, its findings could shape future policies aimed at protecting both victims and the public, ensuring that families like the Nowaks receive the support and accountability they deserve.
