Henry Nowak's killer, his brother and father deny having more than 30 swords, flick-knives and an axe

Vickrum Digwa and members of his family have pleaded not guilty to multiple weapons charges including possessing 37 swords, flick-knives, an axe and eight knuckledusters.

The 23-year-old, who was jailed for life for a minimum of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of possessing an offensive weapon at the family home in Southampton, Hampshire.

The alleged weapons include three machetes, 37 swords, three ninja swords, two flick-knives or gravity knives, eight knuckledusters, an extendable baton and a manriki-gusari - a traditional Japanese handheld weapon made of a weighted metal chain.

His father, Moga Singh, 52, and his brother, Gurpreet Digwa, 27, both of Southampton, also appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the same charges.

Gurpreet also faced four additional charges of which he too denied, including having an extendable baton and a kirpan in public and an axe in a car, as well as the fourth charge of possessing an air weapon.

The court heard all three defendants face an additional amended count of having three push daggers, but this charge was not put to them to enter pleas while clarification was sought by the judge.

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All of the offences are said to have happened on 4 December 2025 - the day after Mr Nowak was killed.

Moga Singh and Gurpreet Digwa appeared in person at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, while Vickrum Digwa watched on via videolink from HMP Frankland.

Harmail Gill, defending the three family members, told the court some of the swords were "antiques" and that some of the weapons were used for "religious martial arts".

District Judge Henry Gordon set a trial date for 27 September next year, with a preliminary hearing next 4 June.

Vickrum Digwa was jailed in June after stabbing Mr Nowak to death in Southampton on December 3 last year.

After stabbing Mr Nowak, Vickrum Digwa lied to police that he was the victim of a racist attack.

The case later sparked protests after police body-worn footage was released showing officers failing to give him first aid and instead handcuffing him as he lay dying, despite him telling officers he could not breathe.

The sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal as "unduly lenient" by the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves, last month.

The Court of Appeal confirmed on Friday that Digwa is seeking to appeal against his conviction and sentence.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said last week it is investigating two officers for potential gross misconduct.

These allegations include potential failures to realise that Mr Nowak needed urgent medical attention, to take action when he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and the decision to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing first aid.

(c) Sky News 2026: Henry Nowak's killer, his brother and father deny having more than 30 swords, flick-knives and an axe