Vickrum Digwa, the man convicted of murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak, is reportedly refusing to leave his cell at HMP Frankland due to fears that he will be attacked by fellow inmates, similar to the fate of child killer Ian Huntley. Huntley, who murdered schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, was killed by a fellow inmate at the same prison.
Digwa's fear for safety
According to sources inside the prison, Digwa has been left cowering in his cell and is refusing to integrate with other inmates. A source told the Sun: “He is there because he is terrified and refused to locate to a wing. He was told he was going on to A-wing and he knew it was where Huntley was killed — and said ‘No’.” The source added: “He said he could not be kept safely on there, which is accurate as there is already talk about him around the prison. They cannot make him go on to the wing and he could be in ‘seg’ for a very long time.”
Murder conviction and background
Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years on June 1 for the murder of Mr Nowak in Southampton. During the trial, Digwa falsely claimed that Mr Nowak had racially abused him. The case sparked widespread anger after a three-minute police body-worn video was released showing Mr Nowak being placed in handcuffs moments before he became unconscious and subsequently died.
Bodycam footage reveals lies
Newly released footage shows Digwa telling officers what were described in court as “wicked lies” about Mr Nowak, including claims that he was drunk and had racially attacked him. In the footage, Digwa tells the officer: “I was literally just walking in and I’ve seen her. He’s then barged into me. I kinda said to him, ‘Clearly, you’re drunk’. I could smell, like you can smell the alcohol.” He continues to say that Mr Nowak called him a racial slur before saying to Digwa that he was a “bad man” and Digwa responding “Yeah, I’m a bad man” as Mr Nowak started recording him. Digwa then claims: “Obviously, then I just push him away, he’s then grabbed me, then started grabbing my turban and pulled my hair, started grabbing my hair, he was, like, punching me and all that sort of stuff.” After being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, Digwa tells the officer: “I have been racially attacked.”
Impact and ongoing situation
Digwa's refusal to leave his cell has raised concerns about his safety and the management of high-profile inmates at HMP Frankland. The prison, which houses some of the UK's most dangerous criminals, has a history of violence, including the murder of Ian Huntley. Digwa's minimum term of 21 years means he will be eligible for parole only after serving that time, but his current situation suggests he may face a prolonged period in segregation.
