Henry Nowak killer prayed for God to ‘save’ him in first recorded confession

Henry Nowak's killer prayed for God to "save" him in his first recorded confession, it has been revealed.

The 18-year-old university student was stabbed to death on December 3 last year as his killer, Vickrum Digwa, accused Mr Nowak of racially assaulting him.

Within 36 hours of the murder, Digwa was transported in a police van from a police station to a court for a custody extension hearing on December 5, where he was recorded speaking to his brother in Punjabi.

A translated transcript reveals that Digwa confessed and showed the pair praying to "save" them after the arrest.

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The English version of the transcript was used during Digwa's murder trial last month, where he was jailed for a minimum 21 years.

His sentence has since been referred to the Court of Appeal after criticism that the punishment was too lenient.

During the confession, Gurpreet Digwa asked his brother, Vickrum: "What did you do? Did you even do anything?".

The transcript described the murderer pointing to his shoulder and said: "One here, towards the face and one on the chest."

The brother replied: "You should not have done it."

He also told Vickrum on multiple occasions that he should have "just pushed", "hit him or beaten him up".

Gurpreet added: "Why did you use the kirpan?"

Digwa replied: "I am a fool."

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Mr Nowak was killed in Southampton after Digwa stabbed him with a Sikh ceremonial blade multiple times.

Harrowing bodycam footage of Mr Nowak's arrest was released by Hampshire Police after the sentencing, showing the student repeatedly telling officers that he had been stabbed while they handcuffed the teenager.

"Don't think you have, mate," one officer could be heard as Mr Nowak informed the police that he had been stabbed.

The 18-year-old had his hands forced behind his back and locked into handcuffs, lying face down while an officer read him his rights as he died.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since launched an investigation into the officers involved in Mr Nowak's arrest.

One of the officers was accused of appearing to dismiss Mr Nowak after being informed that he had been stabbed.

A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: "The evidence indicates that both officers - who were the first to arrive at the scene late in the evening of December 3 2025 - may have potentially breached the professional behaviour standards of duties and responsibilities, use of force and discreditable conduct.

"These relate to potential failures by the officers to recognise that Henry needed urgent medical attention, to immediately act after he said he had been stabbed and he couldn’t breathe, and the decision to arrest and handcuff Henry rather than provide immediate first aid.

"There’s also an indication one of the officers may have breached the standard relating to authority, respect and courtesy, for appearing to dismiss Henry saying he had been stabbed."

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