Vickrum Digwa, the 23-year-old convicted of the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, has been transferred from Winchester prison to HMP Frankland in County Durham. Following his sentencing last month, sources report that Digwa is living in fear due to threats from fellow inmates, leading staff to place him under constant surveillance with welfare checks occurring every 15 minutes.
HMP Frankland is often referred to as “Monster Mansion” due to the high-profile nature of its inmates, which have included convicted murderers such as Levi Bellfield and the late Soham child killer Ian Huntley.
Why the transfer to HMP Frankland is significant
The move to HMP Frankland places Digwa in a high-security facility known for a history of violent incidents involving high-profile prisoners. According to reports, the prison saw the death of Ian Huntley, 52, who was killed with a metal bar in February, and a 2024 incident where quadruple murderer Damien Bendall, 36, killed inmate Michael Mullaney with a claw hammer. Additionally, in April 2025, Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi, 29, assaulted prison officers using boiling oil and improvised blades.
The transition from a standard prison to a facility housing some of the country’s most notorious offenders often shifts the internal security dynamics for new arrivals. Given the threats Digwa has reportedly received, the intensive 15-minute monitoring protocol serves as a temporary safeguard, though such measures are rarely permanent.
What may happen next for the convicted killer
While Digwa currently holds “enhanced” status—granting him £33 in weekly spending money, workshop access, and gym privileges—his situation remains volatile. Sources close to the situation suggest that his isolation is a direct response to safety concerns, noting that he is “cowering in his cell” and avoiding interaction with the general prison population. The intensive monitoring is expected to be a temporary measure rather than a long-term arrangement.
Legal challenges also remain pending. Digwa’s 21-year minimum tariff is currently the subject of an appeal on the grounds that the original sentence was unduly lenient. Furthermore, he remains under strict restrictions regarding his family; he is prohibited from communicating with his 27-year-old brother, Gurpreet, or his 53-year-old mother, Kiran Kaur, both of whom were involved in legal proceedings related to the murder of Henry Nowak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Vickrum Digwa moved to HMP Frankland?
Following his conviction for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, Digwa was relocated to the high-security facility after no other prison governor reportedly wanted him.
What is Digwa’s current status in prison?
He holds “enhanced” prisoner status, which provides him with £33 in weekly spending money, access to the gym, and telephone privileges. However, due to threats from other inmates, he is under constant surveillance with welfare checks every 15 minutes.
Can Digwa contact his family?
No. He is currently prohibited from communicating with his brother, Gurpreet, and his mother, Kiran Kaur, both of whom faced charges in connection to the case.
How should the prison system balance the safety of high-risk inmates with the security of the general prison population?
