SOUTHAMPTON, UK — A man who claimed he carried a large knife for religious reasons has been found guilty of murdering an 18-year-old university student in Southampton.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted at Southampton Crown Court of the murder of Henry Nowak and possession of a bladed article in a public place. The jury rejected Digwa’s claim of self-defense after hearing evidence that he stabbed the teenager during a confrontation in the city.

The fatal incident occurred when Digwa and Nowak crossed paths. According to prosecutors, Digwa lied to arriving police officers, claiming that Nowak had racially abused him and knocked his turban off. Officers initially handcuffed Nowak based on Digwa’s account, only to discover moments later that the young student had suffered fatal stab wounds.

Digwa told the court that as a practicing Sikh, he carried the 21cm knife for religious protection. His legal team argued he acted in self-defense during the altercation. However, the prosecution presented evidence that contradicted his version of events, convincing the jury that Digwa was the aggressor.

Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student with his whole life ahead of him, was remembered by friends and family as a kind, ambitious young man. His death has devastated his loved ones and sent shockwaves through the Southampton community.

Following the verdict, Digwa is due to be sentenced on Monday. He faces a mandatory life sentence for murder, with the judge expected to set a minimum term before parole eligibility.

The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of knife crime in the UK, particularly among young people. It also raises complex questions about the intersection of religious rights, self-defense claims, and public safety.

Detectives described the investigation as thorough, relying on witness testimony, CCTV evidence, and forensic analysis to piece together the sequence of events. The jury deliberated before delivering unanimous guilty verdicts on the main charges.

For Nowak’s family, the conviction brings a measure of justice, though nothing can return their son. Community leaders have used the case to call for stronger action against knife possession and better support for young people in conflict situations.

As sentencing approaches, the focus remains on the courtroom in Southampton, where a judge will decide how long Vickrum Digwa will spend behind bars for taking the life of a promising 18-year-old student.

The tragic death of Henry Nowak serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a single violent encounter can destroy multiple lives and leave a lasting scar on an entire community.