- Hungary expresses optimism over Ukraine minority rights deal for EU talks
- California governor’s primary race intensifies as voters cast ballots
- At least 18 killed in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities
- Southampton supports Tonda Eckert amid spying scandal and playoff expulsion
- Graham Platner faces controversy over sexually explicit messages sent after marriage
- Brother of Vickrum Digwa claims racial attack before murder conviction
- Four men rescued after being trapped in flooded cave in Laos for ten days
- Fincantieri develops integrated defence system to protect underwater infrastructure
The Ultimate guide to Manhattan
It is time to explore Manhattan, you’ve got the trip planned and you are ready to go. But Manhattan is so big, how do you start, or where do you start, well we’ve got you covered with; The ultimate guide to Manhattan, one of the 5 boroughs of New York City. Some may argue it is the most important borough in New York; in financial terms it is, since it is home to Wall street.
An important note to remember is Manhattan is a huge area and if you are looking to explore Manhattan over one or two days, you’ll need to pick the POI that matter you most and do they in a swift manner and efficiently. For instance you can explore Manhattan by seeing Grand central station, 5th Avenue and Times Square, in one day, because they are in close proximity to one another, so it’s always good to plan ahead
Manhattan is divided into 5 boroughs and then several neighborhoods, including Lower Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, Upper Manhattan, the West Side, and the East Side, but they all fall into the same categories below.
- Lower Manhattan / Downtown
- Midtown Manhattan
- Upper Manhattan
- Harlem
- Washington Heights
- IN AN EMERGENCY Call 911
- Fire department Manhattan 212-999-2222
- NEW York Emergency Medical Services 718-999-2770
- New York Tourism board
About Manhattan New York
Explore Manhattans Neighbourhoods
- Alphabet City
- Battery Park City
- Bloomingdale District
- Bowery
- Carnegie Hill
- Central Park
- Chelsea
- Chinatown
- Civic Center
- East Harlem
- East Village
- Financial District
- Flatiron District
- Fort George
- Garment District
- Governors Island
- Gramercy
- Greenwich Village
- Hamilton Heights
- Harlem
- Hell’s Kitchen (Clinton)
- The Highline
- Hudson Heights
- Hudson Square
- Hudson Yards
- Inwood
- Kips Bay
- Lenox Hill
- Lincoln Square
- Little Italy/NoLIta
- Lower East Side
- Manhattan Valley
- Manhattanville
- Marble Hill
- Meatpacking District
- Metropolitan Hill
- Midtown
- Midtown East
- Midtown South
- Morningside Heights
- Murray Hill
- NoHo
- NoMad
- Randall’s Island
- Roosevelt Island
- Rose Hill
- SoHo
- South Street Seaport
- Spanish Harlem (El Barrio)
- Stuyvesant Town
- Sugar Hill
- Sutton Place
- Theater District (Times Square)
- TriBeCa
- Tudor City
- Turtle Bay
- Two Bridges
- Union Square
- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
- Washington Heights
- West Village
- World Trade Center
- Yorkville
Things to do in New York City
Hungary expresses optimism over Ukraine minority rights deal for EU talks
An agreement between Budapest and Kyiv on minority rights in Ukraine would enable the commencement of EU accession talks.
Reaching an agreement on minority rights is crucial for advancing Ukraine’s EU accession talks, which may significantly enhance regional stability and cooperation.
Magyar expressed he is “very optimistic” about reaching a deal on minority rights in Ukraine after years of political impasse.
Magyar teases imminent deal on Hungarian minority to lift veto on Kyiv's EU accession

Magyar says he is “very optimistic” about a deal on minority rights in Ukraine after years of political impasse. An agreement between Budapest and Kyiv on the delicate matter would allow for EU accession talks to begin.
Media Lens: California governor’s primary race intensifies as voters cast ballots
Voters cast ballots in California governor primary.
Voters are casting ballots in several states as the California governor primary competes closely. Coverage in the latest US news suggests that this election could have significant implications for future governance in California, according to US and global politics.
What happened
California’s governor race is currently underway, with voters casting ballots across several states as the primary approaches its conclusion. Polls indicate significant tension as candidates vie for the position to succeed current Governor Gavin Newsom.
Recent articles have highlighted various dynamics within the race, including the strategic positioning of candidates and the challenges facing Democratic contenders. Analysts suggest that this race may represent a critical moment for the party as it navigates internal conflicts and voter expectations.
Key facts
- The California governor’s primary election is currently underway.
- Voters are casting ballots in several states, including California.
- News articles are covering the developments related to the California governor’s race.
- The coverage includes opinions and analyses regarding candidates and polling data.
Where coverage differs
- The Guardian emphasizes the political implications for the Democratic Party in the California governor’s race, while The New York Times focuses on a broader coverage of primary battles involving various candidates.
- Los Angeles Times foregrounds the individual candidate dynamics and their strategies, rather than the overall election narrative highlighted by The Guardian.
- The New York Times prioritizes live updates on the election, while The Guardian provides an opinion piece emphasizing the crossroads faced by Democrats in this race.
One story, four angles
The Guardian – Voters cast ballots in several states as California governor primary goes down to the wire – live
Publication: The Guardian | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: urgent | Intensity: 8/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: high
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Espresso Shot: This live update stresses the immediacy of the California governor primary and the various states involved in the voting process. Key candidates are highlighted, creating a sense of urgency around the unfolding events.
Publication emphasis: The emphasis is on real-time updates during a critical electoral process.
Framing analysis: The primary focus is on the political events occurring during the election, overshadowing secondary reactions and implications.
Bias: Selection: Focused on live political updates Language: Action-oriented and direct Omission: Limited contextual exploration of implications.
Assessment: The Guardian provides a dynamic and urgent reporting style, engaging readers effectively during a pivotal electoral moment.
The New York Times – California Election Live Updates: Governor’s Race to Succeed Newsom Headlines Primary Battles
Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: informative | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: high
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Espresso Shot: This report offers ongoing insights into the California governor’s race, detailing candidates and their positions as the primaries unfold. It aims to inform readers about the competitive landscape.
Publication emphasis: The focus is on providing thorough and factual updates regarding the primary race.
Framing analysis: Central attention is given to the electoral process and implications of candidates’ actions, with less emphasis on public sentiment.
Bias: Selection: Emphasis on electoral details Language: Objective and straightforward Omission: Limited exploration of emotional responses or societal impacts.
Assessment: The New York Times successfully delivers informative updates, emphasizing the importance of the primary without sensationalism.
The Guardian – Democrats are at a huge crossroads in California governor’s race | Norman Solomon
Publication: The Guardian | Primary framing pattern: moral | Tone: critical | Intensity: 9/10 | Sentiment: negative | Legal precision: moderate
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Espresso Shot: The opinion piece critiques the Democratic Party’s strategy and positioning in the California governor’s race, arguing it reflects deeper issues within the party. It calls for reevaluation of priorities.
Publication emphasis: The commentary emphasizes existential challenges facing the Democratic Party.
Framing analysis: The moral implications of political strategies are foregrounded, alongside urgent calls for alignment and values over electoral gains.
Bias: Selection: Focus on Democratic strategies Language: Sharp and critical Omission: Less attention to Republican strategies.
Assessment: The Guardian’s opinion piece presents a compelling narrative that questions core Democratic values, engaging readers with its emotional appeal.
Los Angeles Times – The mystery behind Becerra leapfrogging over his rivals in California’s governor’s race
Publication: Los Angeles Times | Primary framing pattern: political | Tone: analytical | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: high
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Espresso Shot: This article explores the internal dynamics of candidate Alex Becerra’s campaign, discussing his strategic moves that have positioned him ahead of other rivals. It delves into political maneuvering and implications for the primary.
Publication emphasis: Emphasizes tactical aspects of Becerra’s campaign.
Framing analysis: Highlights political strategies, with less focus on public sentiment or moral implications.
Bias: Selection: Concentrated on Becerra’s campaign Language: Clear and calculated Omission: Minimal emotional context or public opinion.
Assessment: The Los Angeles Times provides a methodical examination of Becerra’s rise, contributing to understanding the political landscape without bias or sensationalism.
Food for thought
The New York Times provides a strong legal framing by emphasizing the procedural concerns surrounding California’s governor primary, ensuring an analytical lens on election law. In contrast, The Guardian takes a more escalatory approach, portraying the race as a pivotal moment for Democrats, emphasizing urgency and potential crisis. The Times focuses on the rules and mechanisms, which could sway public perception on legality, while The Guardian amplifies the stakes, creating a narrative that suggests an impending showdown. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Media Lens: At least 18 killed in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities
Story focus: At least 18 people killed in Russian attacks.
Primary entity: Not specified | Region:
Main Geographic Focus: Ukraine
At least 18 people have died and many others have been wounded in Russian attacks on Ukraine. The strikes have resulted in significant destruction across multiple regions, prompting urgent humanitarian concerns.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
On June 2, 2026, a series of missile and drone attacks reported in Ukraine resulted in at least 18 fatalities and numerous injuries. The bombardment targeted various Ukrainian cities, causing significant destruction, including the collapse of an apartment building in one incident.
The attacks followed a week of escalating threats from Russian officials, marking a severe intensification of the conflict. Ukrainian authorities have condemned these assaults, emphasizing the urgent need for international support and intervention to address the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis.
Status quo
Recent reports indicate that a Russian missile and drone attack in Ukraine has resulted in at least 18 fatalities and numerous injuries. The assault targeted various cities and included strikes on apartment buildings, causing significant destruction. Ukrainian officials have described the situation as severe, with emergency services actively responding to the aftermath of the attacks. This escalation continues the ongoing conflict, intensifying concerns over civilian safety in the region.
Confirmed facts
- At least 18 people were killed in recent Russian attacks on Ukraine.
- Dozens were wounded in the same attacks.
- The attacks involved heavy artillery and targeted urban areas.
- This incident has been reported by multiple news outlets including Al Jazeera and USA Today.
- There are reports of destroyed residential buildings as a result of the attacks.
Preconceptions
- **Al Jazeera** emphasizes immediate casualty figures in Russian attacks, with headlines focusing on deaths and injuries, prioritizing human impact first.
- **The New York Times** frames the narrative around the broader geopolitical context, highlighting the sequence of events and threats prior to the attacks, focusing on strategic angles over immediate casualties.
- **USA Today** highlights the scale of destruction in urban areas while maintaining a focus on urgency, underscoring physical damage alongside human toll, though less detail is given compared to Al Jazeera.
- **CBS News** includes specific incidents of collateral damage (e.g., buildings collapsing), accentuating the chaotic aftermath, whereas other outlets may limit their coverage to casualty reports alone.
Elisions
- Al Jazeera provides a detailed account of casualties in the recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, estimating at least 18 fatalities, while The New York Times focuses on the build-up and immediate aftermath but lacks specific casualty figures.
- USA Today mentions at least 18 dead in a series of Russian airstrikes, aligning with Al Jazeera’s numbers, but does not delve into the broader context of these attacks, which is covered comprehensively in the CBS News report.
- The New York Times highlights Kyiv’s specific challenges during these attacks but omits broader implications on Ukraine’s defense strategy and international response, which are discussed in detail by USA Today.
One story, four angles
Al Jazeera – At least 18 people killed, dozens wounded in Russian attacks on Ukraine
Publication: Al Jazeera | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Medium
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Espresso Shot: Readers are prompted to focus on the death toll, emphasizing the human toll from Russian attacks.
Key differences:
– **Comparison:** Al Jazeera’s headline specifies the number of casualties, unlike others that generalize.
– **Example:** “At least 18 people killed” vs. broader phrases in other outlets.
– **Comparison:** Emphasizes casualties immediately in the headline rather than the nature of attacks.
– **Example:** Wording focuses on “killed, wounded” rather than “Russian attacks.”
– **Comparison:** Engages with direct language concerning casualties.
– **Example:** Use of “dozens wounded” to give weight to human impact.
Bias: Selection: Highlights human costs directly. | Language: Utilizes fatalistic terms regarding the attacks. | Omission: Less focus on geopolitical implications of the attacks.
Assessment: Readers are led to perceive the unfolding situation as tragic and urgent.
The New York Times – After an Agonizing Week of Threats, Kyiv Is Finally Bombarded by Russia
Publication: The New York Times | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: The lead focuses on the buildup of tension before the attack, framing it as a consequence of prior warnings.
Key differences:
– **Comparison:** New York Times weighs the prelude to the attack more heavily than the immediate casualties.
– **Example:** “After an Agonizing Week of Threats” adds context about tension leading to escalation.
– **Comparison:** Emphasizes the psychological impact on Kyiv over immediate loss of life.
– **Example:** Describes an “agonizing week” rather than just focusing on casualties.
– **Comparison:** Suggests a more narrative-driven approach than other outlets’ straightforward headlines.
– **Example:** The narrative tone contrasts with Al Jazeera’s factual reporting style.
Bias: Selection: Context on threats preceding attacks included. | Language: Evokes a sense of urgency and dread through specific adjectives. | Omission: Casualties may be underreported relative to tensions described.
Assessment: Readers may feel a build-up of narrative leading to inevitable anguish.
USA Today – At least 18 killed in heavy Russian attack on Ukrainian cities
Publication: USA Today | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Medium
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Espresso Shot: Focus is primarily on the death toll resulting from significant military actions.
Key differences:
– **Comparison:** Similarity to Al Jazeera in casualty reporting but less emotional weight.
– **Example:** “At least 18 killed” is more straightforward than Al Jazeera’s “dozens wounded.”
– **Comparison:** Includes mention of “heavy Russian attack” but lacks details on broader context.
– **Example:** General reference to attacks, less emphasis on psychological impacts or city descriptions.
– **Comparison:** Presentation is blunt without narrative elements found in The New York Times.
– **Example:** The report is factual, lacking nuanced phrasing surrounding the tragedy.
Bias: Selection: Focus on confirmed casualties leads. | Language: Neutral language omits emotional weight. | Omission: Less depth regarding the context of the attacks or prior threats.
Assessment: Readers arrive at an understanding of the immediate tragic consequences with limited context.
CBS News – Major Russian missile, drone attack on Ukraine kills at least 13, topples apartment building, officials say
Publication: CBS News | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: The immediate damage is clarified alongside the loss of life, invoking a visual of destruction.
Key differences:
– **Comparison:** Adds significant detail regarding destruction, contrasting with simpler headlines.
– **Example:** “Topples apartment building” provides a visual layer not seen in others.
– **Comparison:** Emphasizes types of attacks (missile, drone) compared to generic mentions.
– **Example:** Specific mention of “missile, drone attack” adds to understanding of military strategy.
– **Comparison:** Fact-driven with a detailed context but focuses strongly on immediate physical damage.
– **Example:** Phrases like “topples apartment building” illustrate the impact on civilians.
Bias: Selection: Focus on attacks and physical damage over casualty count. | Language: Terms like “topples” and “kills” evoke strong imagery. | Omission: Context regarding the broader implications of these attacks is limited.
Assessment: Readers witness a vivid portrayal of destruction alongside casualty claims, framed as highly significant.
The New York Times presents a strong emphasis on the emotional toll of the conflict, describing the situation in Kyiv as a culmination of an agonizing week of threats, portraying the attacks as a climax of escalating tension. Conversely, USA Today adopts a more factual, less emotive tone, simply reporting the casualties and nature of the attacks. Al Jazeera situates itself between these extremes, detailing casualties while also hinting at the broader implications of ongoing conflict. The contrasting approaches highlight how narrative framing influences public perception.
The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
Al Jazeera
At least 18 people killed, dozens wounded in Russian attacks on Ukraine
The New York Times
After an Agonizing Week of Threats, Kyiv Is Finally Bombarded by Russia
USA Today
At least 18 killed in heavy Russian attack on Ukrainian cities
CBS News
Get you up to speed: Southampton backs ‘spygate’ Eckert despite world’s most lucrative game miss
Southampton has been expelled from the Championship playoffs after admitting to spying on semifinal opponents Middlesbrough, resulting in a four-point deduction for the next season. Manager Tonda Eckert has apologised for the incident, while club owner Dragan Solak has expressed his continued support for Eckert.
The Football Association has commenced its own investigation into the actions of Southampton manager Tonda Eckert, who may face charges related to the “spygate” scandal. Southampton will incur a four-point deduction in the 2026-27 Championship season, as determined by an independent disciplinary commission of the English Football League.
Southampton Chairman Dragan Solak stated, “Tonda’s period as our head coach has been a success so far,” affirming the club’s full support for manager Tonda Eckert amid the fallout from the “spygate” scandal. The Football Association has initiated an investigation and may pursue charges against Eckert, as a four-point deduction will be enforced in the 2026-27 Championship table.
What remains unclear — It is unknown whether the Football Association will charge Tonda Eckert following their investigation.
Southampton supports Tonda Eckert amid spying scandal and playoff expulsion
Sport|FootballSouthampton backs ‘spygate’ Eckert despite world’s most lucrative game miss
Southampton back Tonda Eckert despite missing out on a playoff final for a Premier League place due to spying scandal.
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert celebrates after the playoff semifinal victory against Middlesbrough, May 12, 2026 [Peter Cziborra/Reuters]
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has apologised for orchestrating the “spygate” scandal that led to the club’s expulsion from the Championship playoffs, as owner Dragan Solak insisted that he would not sack the German.
“For everything that’s happened, I do want to apologise, and I hold my hand up because as a head coach I am responsible for everything that has happened in this football club,” Eckert said in a video statement on Tuesday.
list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4‘Dreams come true’: Tennis stars relish Serena Williams’s on-court comebacklist 2 of 4‘Embarrassing’ visa debacle delays South Africa’s World Cup 2026 departurelist 3 of 4African powerhouse Morocco eye World Cup 2026 glory despite AFCON falloutlist 4 of 4Vallejo fined for sexist remarks about female referee at French Openend of list
The Saints were kicked out of last month’s playoff final after admitting they had observed a training session held by semifinal opponents Middlesbrough, as well as two other similar incidents during the season.
They also received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026-27 Championship table, while the Football Association has opened its own investigation and could yet charge Eckert.
An independent disciplinary commission of the English Football League (EFL) ruled that there had been a “contrived and determined plan from the top down to gain a competitive advantage” through spying missions.
It said Eckert had authorised the tactics, highlighting the “particularly deplorable” use of junior members of staff to conduct clandestine operations.
Southampton beat Middlesbrough 2-1 over two legs in the playoff semifinals, but Boro were reinstated, going on to lose in the final to Hull City, who were promoted to the Premier League.
The prize for the winners of the final is regarded as the most lucrative in world football, with the winners joining the richest domestic league in the world. Hull will receive an estimated 200 million pounds ($268m) in extra income.
Eckert, who was appointed head coach in December, put out an eight-minute video statement about the scandal on Southampton’s social media channels.
The 33-year-old said: “I am devastated that after six months of building that relationship [with fans] back up, the season has come to an end, come to an end that couldn’t have left us in a worse place than we are in right now.”
He claimed that observing other teams was routine in other countries, though he admitted that this was not an excuse for his actions in the English second tier.
“When I worked in Italy for over four years, every starting lineup that we’ve chosen for the games was always out in the media before games,” he said.
“And the reason is that our training sessions, especially the ones before games, have always been observed from the media and have always been observed from opponent teams that we came up against.
“[Pep] Guardiola has spoken about this in his time at Bayern Munich, that it has been common practice in Germany to observe training sessions, knowing that other teams would do the same.”
Many had anticipated Eckert would lose his job after Southampton’s expulsion from the playoffs, but chairman Solak gave robust backing to Eckert in his own post on the club’s channels on Tuesday.
“Tonda’s period as our head coach has been a success so far. Our form during 2026 has been remarkable, and we believe he is the man to take us forward,” Solak said.
“As a board, we are fully behind him, and together we only have one objective – we want promotion back to Premier League.”
Solak told the BBC separately that Tonda had been subject to a witch-hunt in the media, saying he believed the club had been “over-sentenced”.
The Serbian, whose media company acquired a majority stake in the south-coast club in 2022, said: “I believe Tonda that he didn’t know that it was the rule that he was breaking.
“My personal opinion, and the opinion of the board, is that he is a manager who deserves to be backed by us and to be supported by us.”
Get you up to speed: Sexting scandal latest controversy for Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner
Graham Platner, the likely Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine, is facing scrutiny for sending sexually explicit text messages to at least six women after his marriage in 2023. The situation has raised concerns about his conduct amid his political campaign.
Graham Platner is facing scrutiny following allegations of sending inappropriate text messages to multiple women, raising questions about his candidacy. The incident comes shortly after his marriage earlier in 2023, prompting discussions about ethical standards among political figures.
Maine’s Democratic Party is facing increasing pressure to respond to the allegations against Graham Platner, the likely Senate nominee, as members express concerns about his conduct following the revelations of explicit messages sent after his marriage. The party is expected to convene a meeting to discuss potential measures, while public sentiment appears to be shifting as calls for accountability grow stronger among constituents.
What remains unclear — It is unknown how the allegations will impact Graham Platner’s campaign for Senate in Maine.
Graham Platner faces controversy over sexually explicit messages sent after marriage
The likely Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine, Graham Platner, is under fire after he sent sexually explicit text messages to at least half a dozen women after he got married in 2023. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Get you up to speed: Brother of Henry Nowak’s killer calls 999 and ‘lies’ | News UK
Vickrum Digwa has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton, where he stabbed the university student with a ceremonial knife. Digwa’s brother reported a racially motivated attack to police, echoing claims made by Digwa following the incident.
Vickrum Digwa has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years after stabbing Henry Nowak with a ceremonial kirpan knife on 3 December 2025. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing the circumstances surrounding the altercation, including claims of racial abuse before the attack.
Judge William Mousley KC expressed that Vickrum Digwa’s actions robbed Henry Nowak of a promising future, stating, “You have brought misery and a lifetime of loss upon his family.” In a statement issued through Sikh PA, Digwa’s family apologised for his actions and requested that the tragedy not be used to incite division within the community.
What remains unclear — It is not specified what actions, if any, are being taken to investigate the brother’s claims of a racially motivated attack.
Brother of Vickrum Digwa claims racial attack before murder conviction
The brother of Vickrum Digwa, who killed Henry Nowak, reportedly called 999 and told police he and his sibling had been ‘attacked racially’.
Digwa has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of the University of Southampton student.
Digwa lied to police, claiming he was the victim after he was called a ‘P***’ and had his turban knocked off close to his home.
And speaking to officers, his brother is understood to have echoed the claims.
According to a recording of the call, he can be heard saying as police answered the phone: ‘Yeah, we’ve just been attacked racially. Yeah, this f***er. Yeah, we just got attacked racially by some white person.’
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Later in the call, he can be heard saying: ‘Literally I just parked my car to come home and he attacked my brother.
‘He physically attacked my brother, we’re Sikhs, we wear a turban and he’s attacked my brother.’
In the call, Digwa’s brother told officers they were ‘restraining’ Mr Nowak because he ‘took my brother’s turban off’ and asked police to ‘have someone out there ASAP’, adding that his brother had had his ‘hair pulled and stuff’ when asked if he had suffered any injuries.
Digwa’s ‘wicked lie’ meant the student was left ‘dying alone, humiliated and handcuffed’ as he lay in a pool of his blood from a fatal 8cm chest wound.
Digwa was also convicted of carrying a knife with a 21cm blade in a public place.
He was filmed by his victim telling him: ‘I am a bad man’ moments before the attack, which included two stab wounds to the back of Mr Nowak’s legs and a fatal wound to his heart.
He also told officers he had not stabbed Mr Nowak despite the student’s pleas for help as he told the police that he was struggling to breathe.
Nicholas Lobbenberg KC, prosecuting, told the court: ‘Henry Nowak dying alone, humiliated and handcuffed was a direct consequence of Vickrum Digwa’s dishonesty.
‘His defence describing Henry as a violent drunk racist aggressor compounds the grief of the family.’
Sentencing Digwa to life, Judge William Mousley KC told the defendant: ‘You, Vickrum Digwa, murdered him, by doing so you robbed him of all those he loved, all the things he cared about and liked to do.
‘He would have been expected to live a long and hopefully happy and fulfilling life. You have brought misery and a lifetime of loss upon his family, and great sadness to everyone who knew him.’
Addressing claims that Mr Nowak had used a racist word against Digwa, the judge said: ‘I am sure that Henry said nothing racist.
‘You are the only person to make that claim and it is completely at odds with his previous character.’
Mr Nowak’s mother, Lucy, said in a statement read to the court: ‘Henry was ambitious, determined and full of life, he was a messy sod and always hungry, but he had his whole life ahead of him, that future has been cruelly taken away.
‘The impact of his loss has been devastating not only for me but for our entire family and for all who knew him, we are learning to support one another through this unimaginable grief, but the pain is constant, our family will never be the same.
‘He will never be forgotten and he will always be loved beyond words. No sentence handed down will bring Henry back.’
Meanwhile Mr Nowak’s sister, Olivia, told the court: ‘My brother was my first best friend, an unbreakable bond, we lived our life to the fullest together.’
She added: ‘He lit up every room that he walked into and the world became less valuable the day he left.’
In a statement issued through Sikh PA, a charity which seeks to represent the Sikh community in the media, Digwa’s family members apologised for his actions.
They said: ‘The loss of a young life is a grief that no family should ever have to carry. We are deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the Nowak family has had to endure.
‘We love Vickrum. We will continue to love him. That love does not stand in opposition to the sorrow we feel for the Nowak family. Both are real, and both will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
‘We would give anything to turn back time so the path of both Henry and Vickrum never crossed that night. We cannot change what has happened, we just hope that no further pain is caused in its name.
‘We apologise to the Sikh community for our son’s actions which have unfairly brought the community into disrepute.
‘We ask that this tragedy is not used by anyone to inflame division or hostility towards any community.
‘We now ask for privacy as we come to terms with what lies ahead.’
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