Henry Nowak killer left 'cowering in cell' after facing 'threats' from other inmates

The 23-year-old convicted of murdering student Henry Nowak has been relocated to HMP Frankland in County Durham and is reportedly living in fear behind bars.

Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced last month for the murder of 18-year-old Henry in Southampton after making false claims of a racist attack, has been moved from Winchester prison to the high-security facility.

Despite holding "enhanced" prisoner status with associated privileges, Digwa is now under constant surveillance by prison staff due to concerns he may be attacked by fellow inmates or attempt self-harm.

Sources indicate he has already received threats from other prisoners at the institution.

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A source close to the situation told The Sun: "Digwa was okay at Winchester and wanted to stay there, and no prison governor really wanted him. So to say he's frightened now is an understatement."

The source added: "He's cowering in his cell and doesn't want to mix.

"He's already had threats and is aware of what happened to Huntley.

"He's in a really bad situation and knows it not that anyone feels sorry for him."

Prison officers are currently conducting welfare checks on Digwa at 15-minute intervals.

The source noted this intensive monitoring arrangement will not continue indefinitely.

HMP Frankland has earned the grim nickname "Monster Mansion" owing to the notorious criminals housed within its walls.

These include murderer Levi Bellfield and former police officer Wayne Couzens.

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The facility has witnessed several violent incidents in recent times.

Soham child killer Ian Huntley, 52, was beaten to death with a metal bar at the prison in February, with another inmate subsequently charged with his murder.

In April 2025, Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi, 29, launched an assault on three prison officers using improvised blades and boiling oil.

The previous year, quadruple murderer Damien Bendall, 36, killed fellow prisoner Michael Mullaney with a claw hammer.

Digwa has been prohibited from any communication with his 27-year-old brother Gurpreet, who faces weapons charges after also providing false information to police regarding Henry's death.

The convicted killer is similarly forbidden from contacting his mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, who was found guilty of assisting an offender.

As an "enhanced" category prisoner, the highest of three tiers, Digwa receives £33 in weekly spending money, along with access to gymnasium facilities, workshops, and additional telephone privileges.

His minimum tariff of 21 years is currently subject to an appeal on grounds it was unduly lenient.

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