Henry Nowak Case: Why Is Vickrum Digwa’s Mother Eligible for Early Prison Release?
Kiran Kaur, the mother of convicted murderer Vickrum Digwa, is expected to be released from prison in December 2026 after serving less than half of her three-year sentence for helping conceal the weapon used to kill University of Southampton student Henry Nowak.
The early release, reported by ITV News and Sky News on Oct. 15, is expected to take place around the first anniversary of Nowak’s death. Kaur, an Indian national, could also face deportation from the UK, although the Home Office has not confirmed a decision on her removal.
Why Was Kiran Kaur Sentenced to Prison?
Kaur, 53, was sentenced to three years in prison at Southampton Crown Court on July 17 after being convicted of assisting an offender.
Her son, Digwa, fatally stabbed Nowak, 18, in Southampton on Dec. 3, 2025. Nowak, a first-year finance student from Chafford Hundred, Essex, had been walking home after a night out with his football team.
Kaur went to the scene and took the murder weapon, a ceremonial dagger, back to the family home. The court heard that she placed it among a collection of ceremonial and other weapons in her son’s bedroom, helping conceal its connection to the killing.
Sentencing Kaur, Judge William Mousley KC said “A responsible parent would have challenged their son over their actions and encouraged him to do the right thing.” The judge added that taking the knife home “would have helped to conceal what it had been used for.”
He acknowledged that Kaur was unlikely to reoffend and had acted to protect her son. However, he said the seriousness of her offense required punishment and deterrence.
Why Is Kaur Eligible for Early Release?
Kaur’s anticipated release is linked to the UK government’s early-release scheme, which is intended to ease overcrowding in prisons across England and Wales. ITV News reported that Kaur would serve less than half of her three-year sentence before being released under the scheme. Sky News reported that her release is expected in December.
The policy came into force on Oct. 1, 2026, following a delay for a review. Under the revised arrangements, approximately 5,000 prisoners are scheduled to be released in stages over the following year, down from an earlier figure of 6,000 after ministers exempted rapists and serious child sex offenders.
Her release would not amount to an acquittal, and her conviction would remain on record.
Could Kiran Kaur Be Deported to India?
ITV News reported that she is eligible for consideration under the government’s deportation arrangements because she is an Indian national. The Home Office has not confirmed whether she will be removed from the UK after leaving prison.
A Home Office spokesperson told Sky News, “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Henry Nowak, whose life was cruelly cut short in a horrific act of violence.” The spokesperson added, “We will always seek to deport foreign criminals at the first opportunity.”
Kaur’s Appeal and Digwa’s Sentence Challenges Remain Pending
Kaur is scheduled to appeal her sentence at the Court of Appeal on Nov. 5, weeks before her anticipated release.
The same day, Digwa is due to challenge his life sentence on the grounds that it is too severe. The Attorney General is also appealing his sentence, arguing that it is too lenient. Separately, Digwa is seeking permission to appeal his murder conviction. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment on June 1, with a minimum term of 21 years, for killing Nowak.
The police response came under scrutiny after officers handcuffed Nowak while he was seriously injured, having initially accepted Digwa’s account. Hampshire Police later apologized.
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