Court system

Henry Nowak Killer's 21-Year Sentence Referred to Appeal Court

Is the sentence review a fair development of justice or does it not go nearly far enough?

Published 4 days ago

Henry Nowak Killer's 21-Year Sentence Referred to Appeal Court

Story

Above: Protesters confront police at Portswood Police station after Henry Nowak's death in Southampton, U.K., on June 2. Image credit: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Vickrum Digwa's 21-year sentence has rightly been referred to the Court of Appeal after a killing that horrified Britain and left Henry Nowak's family devastated. Many believe the sentence was too lenient, and the court should now decide whether it ought to be increased. Serious questions also remain about the police response, and any misconduct must be fully examined. Nothing can bring Henry back, but this review may help deliver some measure of justice.

GOV.UK

Keir Starmer on X

Government-critical narrative

Referring Digwa's sentence to the Court of Appeal is a start, but it doesn't go nearly far enough for such a savage — and arguably death-penalty-worthy — killing. Digwa stabbed Henry Nowak five times, filmed him dying instead of calling an ambulance, then handed the murder weapon to his mother. The police officers who stood by while Henry bled out should also face criminal charges for gross negligence manslaughter. Britain deserves real accountability.

Tommy Robinson on X

Rupert Lowe on X