Independent report: The Henry Nowak Independent Review: terms of reference

establish, so far as possible from available records, what relevant contact, reports, complaints, intelligence, safeguarding concerns or other information were held by statutory agencies, employers and relevant faith organisations in relation to Vickrum Digwa during the five years before Henry Nowak’s death on 3 December 2025, and assess whether there were missed opportunities to identify, manage or act on risk

consider the Nowak family’s experience of the criminal justice system (CJS) following the murder of Henry Nowak, specifically whether in this case they received clear, timely and accessible information and appropriate support from the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)

provide Ministers and the Nowak family with a clear assessment of whether communication, information and support provided by the police, CPS, HMCTS and HMPPS in this case met relevant expectations, including the Victims’ Code and any applicable agency guidance, whether practical lessons arise for the handling of comparable cases, and whether there was sufficient join-up between the agencies

The review will be conducted by Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC.

On 3 December 2025 Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student at Southampton University, was attacked and killed by Vickrum Digwa. On 28 May 2026, Vickrum Digwa was convicted of murder and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years. On 17 July 2026 Vickrum Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, was convicted of assisting an offender and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

The Solicitor General has referred Vickrum Digwa’s sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Vickrum Digwa is appealing his sentence.