Charges Filed Against Family of Henry Nowak’s Killer
The family of Vickram Digwa, who was convicted of murdering Henry Nowak, is now facing weapons charges related to the day of the fatal incident. Nowak, an 18-year-old, was stabbed and left bleeding in front of police.
On Monday, Vickram Digwa, 23, received a minimum sentence of 21 years for Nowak’s murder. He claims Nowak attacked him with a traditional Sikh knife on December 4 of the previous year.
In a related case, Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of aiding in her son’s crime. She reportedly took the knife from the scene and concealed it at their home.
On Tuesday, Vickram is expected to face six counts of possessing an offensive weapon. Meanwhile, his brother Gurpreet Digwa, 27, and father Moga Singh, 52, are also scheduled to appear in court for various weapons charges stemming from the same date as Nowak’s murder.
These charges come after police allegedly seized a range of weapons, including traditional Sikh knives and other dangerous items.
During the trial, Digwa’s family suggested that Nowak had made racist remarks toward Vickram, a claim that was later proven false. It’s unclear how many people knew the truth at that time, apart from Digwa himself.
Despite Nowak’s pleas for help, officers took him into custody after he reported being stabbed. As he lost consciousness, the police proceeded to arrest him instead of providing immediate assistance.
In a statement made on Tuesday, the Digwa family expressed sorrow to the Nowak family and the wider Sikh community. They stated, “The loss of a young life is a grief no family should face. We are deeply sorry for the pain caused to the Nowak family.” They also shared their conflicting feelings of love for Vickram while mourning the tragedy.
They added, “We wish we could change the past; we just hope no further pain arises from this.” The family also apologized to the Sikh community for the actions of their son, stating they hope this incident does not incite hostility against any group and requested privacy during this difficult time.
Calls have emerged for the families involved to be held accountable, alongside requests for government action regarding Digwa’s sentencing. Some, including Brexit leader Nigel Farage, believe the 21-year sentence is insufficient.
A spokesperson for the Attorney General mentioned they have received numerous requests to review the leniency of Digwa’s sentence. The spokesperson noted that a judicial officer will evaluate the case and reach a decision within 28 days.
The government confirmed that it will not eliminate special allowances for Sikhs to carry traditional knives publicly, with Home Minister Shabanna Mahmood stating that the purpose of carrying such knives differs from their use in violent acts.
