Bodycam of Handcuffed, Dying Student Fuels Outrage After Attacker Is Jailed

Overview

• The attacker, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, was convicted of murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak and given a life sentence with a minimum term announced by the judge on June 1.
• Police released body-worn camera images on June 2 that show Nowak handcuffed and saying "I can't breathe" after being stabbed, and the footage has prompted large protests in Southampton and public anger.
• Hampshire police apologised, one officer resigned, three others are being treated as witnesses, and the force has referred its actions to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for an investigation.
• Evidence at trial showed Digwa lied to officers at the scene by falsely claiming racial insults, a detail that shaped the initial policing decision to restrain Nowak, and several of Digwa's relatives now face separate weapons charges.
• Political figures have seized on the case to press competing arguments about policing and diversity policy and high-profile offers to fund legal action have appeared, which could influence policy reviews and further litigation.