Case Background
The murder occurred in Southampton in December 2025. During the trial, it was revealed that Digwa had used a large dagger to kill Nowak. The case drew significant public attention after it emerged that Digwa falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist attack following the stabbing. This deception resulted in emergency responders handcuffing the dying teenager, believing he was the aggressor.
The Attorney General had referred the original sentence to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the initial 21-year term was unduly lenient. Prosecutors highlighted the severity of the weapon used, the abuse of a religious exemption to carry the blade, and Digwa’s conduct as his victim lay dying. While Digwa’s legal team had attempted to argue that the original sentence was "manifestly excessive," the Court of Appeal ultimately sided with the prosecution, ruling that the original term did not sufficiently reflect the gravity of the offense.
