Sikhs tell Nowak's mum his death won't divide them

Members of the Sikh faith from Henry Nowak's hometown have said his murder "should never divide our community" after meeting with his mother.

The 18-year-old, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was stabbed to death as he walked home after a night out in Southampton on 3 December.

His killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years in June.

In a statement, members of the Grays Gurdwara said they contacted Nowak's mother, Lucy Ross, to offer their "deepest sympathies, support and solidarity".

Sikh leaders have described a backlash against the faith in the wake of the University of Southampton student's murder.

Digwa killed Nowak with a 21cm (8in) blade that he said he carried because of his faith, and he later lied to police, telling them the teenager had racially abused him.

The victim was handcuffed by police as he lay dying at the scene. It took eight minutes for officers to realise he had been stabbed.

Nowak was known to many worshippers in Grays as he worked part-time at a supermarket close to the gurdwara.

Ross met with members of the Sikh community with her partner, David Stevenson.

"We also shared with the family our deep sadness regarding the circumstances surrounding Henry's final moments and stand with them in their desire to seek understanding, dignity and justice," Grays Gurdwara said in its statement.

"Everyone present at the meeting was united in the belief that Henry's tragic loss should never divide our community but should instead bring us closer together in compassion, respect and unity."

So far, at least 23 people have been charged and 13 defendants jailed for protests that broke out in Southampton after Digwa was jailed.

Speaking after the sentencing, Henry's father Mark Nowak called for people to not exploit or politicise his death.

"We want to use Henry's heartbreaking story to make change for the better," he said.

"We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred, or tension. We want his story to make our streets safer for everyone."

The law dictates that a practising Sikh may wear a small blade, known as a kirpan, close to the body - but drawing it in an act of aggression is illegal.

While Digwa was wearing such a knife, his second blade, described by the trial judge as "a large Sikh dagger", was used as the murder weapon.

The prison term he received has been referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The case will be heard at a later date.

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