Mother jailed for three years for removing murder weapon from crime scene

Kiran Kaur, the mother of convicted murderer Vickrum Digwa, has been sentenced to three years in prison for her role in removing the knife used to kill an 18-year-old student. Digwa fatally stabbed the student in December as he returned home from a night out in Southampton. He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 21 years before parole eligibility. Kaur, 53, was found guilty of assisting an offender at Southampton Crown Court in May. During the sentencing, Judge William Mousley criticized her actions, stating that a responsible parent would have encouraged her son to do the right thing. Instead, Kaur took the murder weapon, a 21-centimeter blade, and placed it among other weapons in her son's bedroom, potentially concealing its significance and aiding his attempt to evade arrest. The judge acknowledged that Kaur was unlikely to re-offend and that her motive stemmed from a misguided desire to protect her son, rather than personal gain. However, he emphasized the seriousness of her offense and the need for punishment to deter others from similar actions. The prosecution described Kaur's actions as "criminal conduct of the highest order," highlighting her crucial role in removing the knife, which police did not recover until seven days after the attack. Kaur's defense attorney argued that her actions were a spontaneous act driven by an instinctive desire to protect her child. Despite this, the court determined that her interference with the investigation warranted a custodial sentence. The case highlights the legal consequences for individuals who attempt to obstruct justice, even when motivated by familial loyalty. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder that assisting a perpetrator can lead to severe penalties.