Teenager Dies After Stabbing Incident Involving Police

A court has heard testimony regarding a tragic incident where a teenage stabbing victim died shortly after police officers arrived and handcuffed him.

Henry Nowak, an undergraduate student from a university with British-Polish heritage, was killed by 23-year-old Wickram Digwa following a night out with friends. Digwa faces charges of murder and possession of a knife in a public space, while her mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, is charged with aiding an offender.

According to the proceedings, Nowak had been socializing with friends from his soccer team and had consumed alcohol, although his blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit for driving. On his way home, he crossed paths with Digwa, leading to a verbal exchange.

In a cellphone video from that night, Nowak can be heard saying, “You’re a bad person, just admit it and move on.” Digwa, equipped with a large knife strapped to her chest, replied, “I’m a bad guy,” shortly before the video cut off.

Witnesses reported hearing Nowak say he was severely injured after being stabbed as he attempted to escape from Digwa, who pursued him aggressively. When police arrived, Digwa claimed she had been “racially abused and attacked by a drunk man.” Nowak asserted he was the one who had been stabbed, but officers proceeded to handcuff him. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly thereafter at the scene. An autopsy later revealed he had suffered four stab wounds.

Prosecutors noted, “Henry essentially bled to death after being fatally injured by an eight-centimeter knife.” They added that Digwa, rather than seeking assistance for her own injuries, accused him of racism and drunkenness.

The court learned that Nowak’s mobile phone was found in Digwa’s possession, and witnesses claimed that her family arrived soon after the incident. Her mother was allegedly recorded taking the suspected murder weapon back to their home.

Later, police discovered a knife hidden in a designated area at the residence, leading to Kaur’s charge of assisting an offender.

The proceedings also revealed that Digwa is of the Sikh faith, which traditionally entails carrying a knife for ceremonial purposes, typically a small blade called a kirpan. Although British knife laws are very stringent, a specific exemption allows Sikhs to carry such knives. At the time of the stabbing, Digwa supposedly had two smaller kirpans and a larger eight-inch knife, which her mother allegedly tried to conceal.

Digwa’s attorney argued that the knife was carried legally, claiming his client acted out of self-defense and suggested that a “drunk” Nowak may have triggered the altercation.

Both Digwa and Kaur deny all charges, and the trial is ongoing.