Vickrum Digwa’s time behind bars began with fear and uncertainty as he entered one of Britain’s most dangerous prison environments. According to a prison service source, Digwa arrived at HMP Frankland visibly shaken and overwhelmed by the reality of his situation. The confidence and composure he appeared to show during police interviews were gone, replaced by anxiety and fear over what awaited him inside the prison system.

“Digwa arrived at Frankland terrified,” the source said. “He was literally shaking. He was in total fear – there was none of that arrogance that people saw on the police camera. I think he genuinely believed he might not survive his first night.”

His arrival came after he was convicted of the murder of university student Henry Nowak, a crime that made him one of the most high-profile inmates at the prison. Because of the seriousness and public attention surrounding the case, Digwa was immediately considered vulnerable to attacks from other prisoners. His reputation, the details of his crime, and his status as a convicted murderer placed him in a dangerous position among inmates who may seek recognition by targeting notorious prisoners.

After spending several weeks in segregation for his own protection, Digwa was eventually returned to a normal prison wing. However, officials continued to keep him under close supervision because of the risks associated with his case.

A prison insider explained that Digwa had been placed on a special watch list due to recent violent incidents at Frankland and because he matched the profile of prisoners considered at risk. His crime, combined with his public notoriety, made him a potential target.

“There are prisoners in Frankland who would try to attack him, both physically and verbally, simply because of who he is,” the source said. “Some would want the reputation of being the person who assaulted him.”

The source added that Digwa’s behavior inside prison appeared to make him seem even more vulnerable. His nervous appearance and fearful body language were reportedly noticeable to other inmates.

“His body language makes him look like a victim. He has scared eyes,” the source said. “I don’t know whether he was considered a tough person outside prison, but inside Frankland he looks frightened most of the time, and that can attract attention from people looking for someone to target.”

The source warned that Digwa would have to adapt to prison life and accept that his circumstances would remain difficult because of the nature of his conviction.

His situation reflects a wider issue within the prison system, where certain categories of offenders are often singled out by other inmates. Recent prison violence has seen convicted sex offenders and other widely condemned criminals become targets. High-profile examples include prisoners such as Ian Watkins, the former frontman of Lostprophets, who was killed after being attacked while serving his sentence.

While child abusers and sex offenders are often viewed by prisoners as among the lowest groups in the prison hierarchy, insiders say Digwa’s particular crime could also place him at risk because of the circumstances surrounding Henry Nowak’s death.

The murder occurred in December 2025 after Nowak, a Southampton University student, was walking home following a night out. During Digwa’s trial at Southampton Crown Court, jurors heard how the two men encountered each other before an argument developed.

Digwa was carrying an eight-inch dagger in a sheath around his neck. He claimed that, as a Sikh, he was legally entitled to carry the blade for religious reasons. However, after words were exchanged, he removed the weapon and stabbed Nowak in the chest.

The attack continued as Nowak attempted to escape. Prosecutors told the court that Digwa inflicted several additional wounds, including two stab injuries to Nowak’s back as he tried to run away.

After the killing, Digwa allegedly attempted to create a false version of events, portraying himself as the victim and claiming that Nowak had been the aggressor. When police arrived at the scene, Digwa and members of his family provided officers with an account that did not reveal the full truth about what had happened.

One crucial detail was left out: Digwa had repeatedly stabbed Nowak.

Police body camera footage later showed Nowak’s final moments. The teenager was lying on the ground, surrounded by Digwa and his relatives, telling officers that he had been stabbed and struggling to breathe.

Despite his desperate condition, one officer responded by saying: “I don’t think you have, mate.” The officer’s actions later became the subject of an investigation by the police watchdog.

Nowak was initially treated as if he was involved in an incident rather than recognized as a victim of a serious stabbing. He was read his rights before officers realized he had become unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Digwa was eventually charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place. His mother was also charged with assisting an offender. Following a two-week trial in May, both were found guilty.

The case caused widespread anger, not only because of the killing itself but also because of the police response and the alleged attempt to misrepresent what happened. However, the tragedy was also used by far-right figures to promote anti-immigration arguments, despite the wishes of Nowak’s family, who urged people not to use his death for political purposes.

Digwa was born in Britain, yet the case became a focus for activists seeking to push wider debates about crime, immigration, and policing. Far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson organized demonstrations in Southampton and elsewhere, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for public anger over what he described as an example of unequal treatment within the justice system.

As Digwa begins his life sentence, he faces a completely different reality from the one he experienced before conviction. Inside Frankland, his notoriety has made him a prisoner who requires protection, with officials aware that his crime has placed him among those most likely to face hostility from other inmates. His future in prison is expected to remain challenging as he serves his sentence for the killing of Henry Nowak.