Conviction of Vikram Dhingra for the murder of Henry Novak in Southampton

On December 3, 2025, 18-year-old Henry Novak was fatally stabbed in Southampton, England, while returning home. On Monday, 23-year-old Vikram Dhingra was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder. Police body camera footage released after the trial shows officers handcuffing the dying Novak as he lay on the ground, telling them he could not breathe and had been stabbed. Dhingra, who remained at the scene, claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging he was the victim of a racially motivated attack. The police conduct during the arrest has sparked significant public and political debate. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, criticized the authorities, questioning the fairness of the police response. The incident has intensified national discussions regarding policing and racial sensitivity in the United Kingdom.