Henry Nowak family calls killer’s appeal ‘ludicrous’ as sentence faces review

Family challenges appeal

Henry Nowak, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, died in an attack in Southampton on 3 December. His family say Digwa should not be allowed to appeal his sentence.

Henry’s stepmother, Katie Nowak, told ITV News the verdict had been clear and the appeal did not feel fair. Digwa argues his sentence is too severe. The court is also due to consider an Attorney General referral arguing Digwa’s sentence was unduly lenient. The appeal and referral therefore raise opposing concerns about the sentence.

Kaur’s early release condemned

Henry’s mother, Lucy Ross, said Kaur hid the knife, which had Henry’s blood on it. Ross also raised the possibility that Kaur could arrange a prison visit with Digwa after her release.

The family said the date felt particularly cruel because it falls close to the anniversary of Henry’s murder. Katie Nowak said victims’ feelings should receive greater consideration.

Release rules and time served

Kaur spent 221 days on remand. The Ministry of Justice said that time was taken into account when she was sentenced.

Attack and weapon account

Digwa stabbed Henry with a blade he said he carried for religious reasons connected to his Sikh faith. The article says a religious reason can provide a defence for carrying a blade, but not once it is used as a weapon. The article also states that the starting point is 15 years when someone has a lawful reason to carry a blade and is not carrying it to commit an offence.