Mother convicted of hiding murder weapon after son fatally stabbed university student

A mother's actions after a deadly attack have now become part of the same case that ended with her son receiving a life sentence.

The case has drawn national attention not only because of the killing itself, but also because of questions surrounding the police response in the moments afterward.

Kiran Kaur, 53, was convicted of assisting an offender after taking and hiding the 21-centimeter blade used by her son, Vickrum Digwa, to kill Henry Nowak.

The attack happened in Southampton on December 3, 2025.

Prosecutors said Digwa stabbed the 18-year-old university student five times during the confrontation.

Digwa, 23, claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that Nowak racially abused him and knocked off his turban.

A jury rejected that account and found him guilty of murder.

He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years before becoming eligible for parole consideration.

The case received further scrutiny after bodycam footage showed police initially handcuffing a bleeding Nowak based on Digwa's version of events.

The footage sparked public outrage and led to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as well as a formal apology from police.

What the case shows

• Henry Nowak was 18 years old when he was killed
• Vickrum Digwa was convicted of murder
• Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years
• Kiran Kaur was convicted of assisting an offender
• Prosecutors said she hid the knife used in the attack
• Police conduct during the incident is under separate review

The bigger question

The case has raised concerns about both accountability after violent crimes and how police assess situations during fast-moving incidents.

Many people have focused on the fact that the victim was initially treated as a suspect despite suffering fatal injuries, prompting questions about decision-making during emergency responses.

The conviction of Digwa's mother has also highlighted the legal consequences that can follow when relatives become involved in hiding evidence after a crime.

What happens now

Digwa will serve his life sentence, while attention may continue to focus on the separate investigation into the police response.

The findings of the oversight review could determine whether any further action is taken regarding officers' conduct during the incident.

What we still don't know

• Whether the police watchdog investigation will result in disciplinary action
• What additional findings may emerge from the bodycam review
• Whether any appeals will be filed following the convictions