Henry Nowak’s parents – Mark Nowak and Lucy Ross, have become vocal advocates for knife crime reform after their 18-year-old son was fatally stabbed in Southampton on December 3, 2025. Mark Nowak served as the family’s spokesman during the trial of Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life in prison on June 1, 2026, with a minimum of 21 years.
Henry Nowak’s Parents: Mark Nowak and Lucy Ross
Henry Nowak’s parents are Mark Nowak and Lucy Ross, a couple from Chafford Hundred, Essex, who raised Henry alongside three siblings. The family confirmed their identities publicly during court proceedings and media interviews following Henry’s murder.
Mark Nowak emerged as the family’s primary spokesperson, delivering a powerful victim impact statement in court. Lucy Ross, Henry’s mother, has spoken sparingly but shared her profound grief openly, describing the loss as “heartbreaking”.
Mark Nowak: Henry’s Father and Family Spokesman
Mark Nowak told Southampton Crown Court he would “trade places with his son in a heartbeat”. Outside the court, he condemned the police treatment of his dying son as “inhumane and degrading” after Henry was handcuffed while bleeding from five stab wounds.
Key actions by Mark Nowak:
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Called for knife crime to be declared a “national emergency”
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Urged stronger controls on knife sales, ownership, and carrying
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Emphasized the need for unity, not division, in addressing violence
Mark stood beside his daughter Olivia during public statements, visibly leading the family’s dignified response.
Lucy Ross: Henry’s Mother and Her Heartbreaking Loss
Lucy Ross, Henry’s mother, has kept a lower public profile but has expressed devastating sorrow over losing her son. In a family statement, she was described as grieving “every single day”.
While Mark spoke in court, Lucy was present supporting the family. Her quiet strength complemented Mark’s public advocacy, showing the family’s united front in the face of tragedy.
The Nowak Family: Henry, Sister Olivia, and Their Close Bond
Henry Nowak was one of four siblings, including his older sister Olivia Nowak, who stood beside their father during public appearances. The family described Henry as “a loving son” who “would not tolerate racism, sexism, or bullying”.
The Nowak family is known for their close bond and mutual support. Olivia, alongside Mark, helped represent the family publicly, showing the strength of their sibling relationship.
Henry Nowak’s Upbringing in Chafford Hundred, Essex
Henry Nowak grew up in Chafford Hundred, Essex, a community in eastern England. He was a first-year university student at Southampton University, where he studied before his tragic death.
He was last seen on December 3, 2025, returning home from a night out in Southampton when he was attacked. Henry was 18 years old at the time of his murder.
The Family’s Dignified Response After Henry’s Murder
Despite unbearable grief, Henry Nowak’s family maintained dignity and composure throughout the trial. They avoided personal attacks on Digwa’s faith, insisting the case was about murder, not Sikhism or racism.
The family’s statement emphasized:
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Bearing sorrow “every single day”
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Calling for national action on knife crime
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Urging unity over division
Their response has been widely praised for its restraint and moral clarity.
Yesterday, Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 21 years for the murder of Henry Nowak.
His father, Mark, with his daughter Olivia and his mother, Lucy, gave a moving address and demanded justice from Hampshire @HantsPolice.
pic.twitter.com/kcYTR0BkCU— David Atherton (@daveatherton) June 2, 2026
Mark Nowak’s Call for Knife Crime Action While Urging Unity
Mark Nowak explicitly called on the UK government to treat knife crime as a national emergency. He demanded:
Yet he emphasized unity, urging the public not to blame entire communities for the actions of one individual.
Key Facts and Important Updates
FAQ
Q: Who are Henry Nowak’s parents?
A: Henry Nowak’s parents are Mark Nowak and Lucy Ross, from Chafford Hundred, Essex.
Q: What is Mark Nowak’s role in the family?
A: Mark Nowak is Henry’s father and the family spokesman, speaking publicly and in court.
Q: How did Lucy Ross react to Henry’s death?
A: Lucy Ross, Henry’s mother, has expressed heartbreaking grief, grieving “every single day”.
Q: Does Henry Nowak have siblings?
A: Yes, Henry was one of four siblings, including older sister Olivia Nowak.
Q: What is the Nowak family calling for?
A: The family wants knife crime treated as a national emergency with stronger knife controls.
Also Read | Police Apologise After Handcuffing Dying Teen Henry Nowak
