Parents of Southampton student Henry Nowak who was murdered say fight for justice isn't over
It comes after his killer's sentence was increased yesterday
The parents of Southampton student, Henry Nowak, who was murdered last year say the fight isn't over for 'truth, accountability and meaningful change', as his killer has his sentence extended.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was initially jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years in June - after fatally stabbing 18-year-old Henry, but will now spend a minimum term of 25 years in prison.
The Nowak family have released a statement following the court case's results.
It reads: “We welcome today’s decision by the Court of Appeal to increase the minimum prison term for Vickrum Digwa, the man who murdered our son, to 24 years and 190 days.
“We are grateful to the Attorney General for recognising the seriousness of this crime and referring the original sentence for review.
“This decision represents an important step towards justice for Henry and our family. But no sentence, however long, can ever give Henry his life back.
“Our son was just 18 years old. He had his entire future ahead of him, a future that was so cruelly and needlessly stolen from him.
“We have been given a life sentence of grief. There is no appeal for us, no reduction in our suffering and no prospect of ever getting our son back.
“While today’s decision is welcome, our fight for justice is far from over. Last week’s announcement of an Independent Rapid Review was the first piece of good news we’ve had since Henry’s murder, and we will do everything we can to support Alex Chalk as he carries out his work.
“Meanwhile we will never give up our fight for the truth, accountability and meaningful change.
“Henry deserves nothing less.”
The Court of Appeal overruled his initial sentence of 21 years, saying it was "unduly lenient".
Digwa had also appealed for a lesser sentence, and this was rejected.
Henry Nowak was murdered by Vickrum Digwa on December 3rd last year, with his killer filming him as he lay dying and falsely accusing him of racially abusing him.
Digwa fatally stabbed Henry with a ceremonial knife which had a 21cm blade.
Unrest started following the case when footage was released from police body-worn cameras showing officers handcuffing Mr Nowak, Chafford Hundred, Essex, as he lay dying after Digwa falsely told officers that the teenager had racially abused him.
An independent review is also taking place after last month, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced former Lord Chancellor, Alex Chalk would examine Mr Nowak's murder, including "any missed opportunities to intervene".
It's not the only investigation, as several have been announced into Hampshire Police's handling of the case since Digwa's sentencing.
After a request was made by Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services opened an investigation in August.
This will cover the "end-to-end process" from call handling in the control room, dispatch and initial attendance at incidents of serious violence, according to the PCC.
Two officers are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct over their interactions with Mr Nowak on the night he was stabbed, and this was launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct back in July.
The watchdog is also examining whether race or religion contributed to the officers’ decision-making.