Newly released court transcripts reveal that Vikrum Digwa, who fatally stabbed 18-year-old Henry Nowak, initially denied killing the student and later fabricated claims of racial abuse, which were prompted by his brother. Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years for the murder, which occurred in December. Nowak was a finance student at the University of Southampton.

The unedited trial transcript, released by the Centre for Justice Policy, shows Digwa misleading officers at the scene. "He's not been stabbed," Digwa said of Nowak, despite having already inflicted stab wounds. He also claimed Nowak was "pretending." When questioned about these statements while Nowak was bleeding profusely, Digwa stated he was unaware he had fatally wounded him.

The transcript indicates that Digwa's claim of racial abuse was not spontaneous. His brother, Gurpreet, asked him, "Did he racially say anything to you?" to which Digwa replied, "Yeah, he called me a P*** as well." Digwa admitted under cross-examination that he sought to portray Nowak as a "drunk racist who'd attacked a Sikh," though he maintained it was the "truth."

In his sentencing remarks, judge William Mousley KC dismissed Digwa's claims of racial abuse, stating there was no evidence to support them and that they were inconsistent with Nowak's character. Nowak's family described him as "kind and talented."

Digwa's mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was jailed for three years for assisting an offender. She removed the ceremonial dagger Digwa used in the attack from the scene. The judge noted her actions contributed to Digwa's "pretense that he had done nothing wrong and that he was the victim," and added to the "degradation of Henry being arrested when he was dying."

Hampshire Police officers placed the mortally wounded Nowak in handcuffs, despite his pleas that he could not breathe and had been stabbed. One officer reportedly responded, "I don't think you have, mate." Both officers involved are under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for potential gross misconduct. The IOPC is examining whether the officers failed to recognize Nowak's need for urgent medical attention, his claims of being stabbed and unable to breathe, and their decision to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing first aid. The watchdog is also investigating if race or religion influenced the officers' decisions.

The footage of Nowak being handcuffed while dying prompted protests, with claims of "two-tier" policing. Nowak's family has vowed to continue their campaign for justice and urged the government to enact changes.

Digwa had encountered Nowak by chance as the student was making his way home from a night out. A scuffle ensued, and Digwa used his dagger, which he carried according to his Sikh faith, to stab Nowak multiple times.