City reporter
A court has sentenced 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak in Southampton. Nowak, a first-year accountancy and finance student at the University of Southampton, was fatally stabbed during an incident in December 2025 after a night out with friends. Prosecutors said Digwa stabbed him multiple times with a large blade and then falsely claimed to police that he had been the victim of a racist attack.
The case drew national attention after police body-camera footage showed officers handcuffing Nowak while he repeatedly stated that he had been stabbed. Hampshire Police later apologised for its handling of the incident, and an independent investigation into police conduct is ongoing. The murder has sparked public debate about policing, knife crime, and community relations, with government officials and Nowak’s family urging the public not to allow the tragedy to fuel division. Nowak’s family described him as a talented and well-liked young man whose loss has left a lasting impact on relatives, friends, and the wider university community.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticised comments made by Elon Musk regarding the public debate surrounding the murder of Henry Nowak, accusing the billionaire of attempting to deepen divisions within British society and interfere in domestic political affairs.
Speaking in Westminster, Starmer said that discussions surrounding a tragic criminal case should be guided by facts, evidence, and the legal process rather than by commentary from influential figures outside the country.
“The United Kingdom’s justice system must be allowed to operate independently. Attempts by overseas figures to inflame tensions or influence political debate are not helpful and risk undermining social cohesion,” the Prime Minister said.
The dispute emerged after Musk used his social media platform to comment on issues related to the case, prompting strong reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters argued that Musk was exercising his right to free expression, while critics claimed his remarks amplified political tensions and encouraged polarization.
Government ministers echoed concerns about the growing influence of social media personalities in shaping national political conversations. Several MPs argued that highly followed online figures can have a significant impact on public opinion despite having no democratic mandate in the UK. Musk’s supporters rejected the criticism, maintaining that public debate should remain open and that international figures are entitled to comment on major global events and political issues.
Political analysts said the row reflects a broader challenge facing modern democracies: balancing free speech with concerns about misinformation, foreign influence, and the role of social media in public life. The exchange is likely to intensify debate over how governments should respond when influential international figures become involved in domestic political controversies.
