The godmother of murdered teenager Henry Nowak has made a touching tribute, vowing to "fight until the end" for his legacy after his killer was sentenced to life in prison. Henry Nowak, 18, was stabbed five times by Vickrum Digwa in December last year. Digwa falsely claimed to police that Henry had racially abused him and knocked off his turban. Distressing footage showed Henry saying "I can't breathe" while handcuffed and dying, as officers believed Digwa's lies. Digwa was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 21 years on June 1.
Emotional Tribute from Godmother
Kelly Hatchard, 46, best friends with Henry's mother Lucy, shared her heartbreak. "Henry deserved so much more from this life. Henry and his family have been let down so badly. This could happen to anyone, anyone's child. Henry, we will fight until the end for you. The world will know your name," she said. "You changed our lives for the better. I believe you will go on to change the lives of others by the legacy you will leave."
Kelly added: "Henry had a way of making people smile without even trying. He had so much life ahead of him, so many plans, and so much love to give."
Prime Minister Meets Family
Prime Minister Keir Starmer held private talks with Henry's mother Lucy, father Mark, and stepmother Katie Woodcock at No 10 Downing Street following public outcry over bodycam footage revealing police failed to believe Henry's plea for help. The Prime Minister said choosing "unity and progress over division and hatred" is the only way to honor Henry's legacy, and he is determined lessons will be learned. "Difficult questions must be answered about the way police handled Henry's murder. We will be unflinching in taking whatever action is required to right the wrongs," Starmer stated.
Family's Pain and Pursuit of Justice
Recalling the moment she learned of Henry's death, Kelly said: "Life as we knew it stopped. Alongside the heartbreak has been the pain of watching one of the kindest families have their world torn apart. My heart is broken for them." She described the trial as a "living nightmare," with Digwa showing no remorse. Kelly criticized the police officer who handcuffed Henry and read him his rights, saying: "The last thing my best friend's beautiful boy heard before we lost him forever. Shame on the monster who took you, shame on the police officer who should have helped you."
