Inquiry into Nottingham Attacks: A Call for Accountability

On June 13, 2023, a tragic incident in Nottingham resulted in the deaths of three individuals: 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates. The perpetrator, Valdo Calocane, who had a history of paranoid schizophrenia, was sentenced in January 2024 to an indefinite hospital order after admitting to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder. A public inquiry is set to begin to investigate the circumstances leading to the attacks, focusing on the actions and omissions of various institutions involved in Calocane's care.

The Guardian

The inquiry will scrutinize Calocane's interactions with mental health services and law enforcement prior to the attacks. A report from the Care Quality Commission highlighted significant failures in Calocane's treatment at the Nottinghamshire healthcare NHS foundation trust, noting a “series of errors, omissions and misjudgments.” An independent review by Theemis Consulting further revealed a “catalogue of failings,” including a nine-month gap in contact with mental health services before the attacks.

The Guardian

Emma Webber, the mother of victim Barnaby Webber, has emerged as a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability. She expressed her determination to uncover the truth surrounding the events leading to the attacks, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of institutional failures. The families of the victims have united in their call for accountability from mental health services, law enforcement, and judicial bodies.

The Guardian

Emma Webber articulated her expectations for the inquiry, stating, “What the inquiry has to deliver is truthful answers, but the whole truth – not a version of.” She criticized the responses from various institutions, claiming they have been evasive and defensive. The families of the victims issued a joint statement expressing their frustration with the “failure and silence” they have encountered, asserting that the inquiry should expose systemic neglect and missed opportunities by the relevant services.

The Guardian

The families have raised concerns about the legal framework that allowed Calocane to receive a hospital order instead of a life sentence. They are calling for a thorough examination of the failures by mental health services and law enforcement, particularly in light of a reported attack by Calocane on two co-workers just weeks before the fatal incident.

The Guardian

The inquiry is expected to release thousands of documents related to Calocane's care and the investigations by police. Emma Webber has committed to attending every hearing until its conclusion in June 2026, stating, “We are doggedly going to pursue this fight to the bitter end.” The inquiry aims to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in how mental health cases are managed and how accountability is enforced within the relevant institutions.

The Guardian

“Marking their own homework and closing of ranks to try to keep us quiet.” — Emma Webber, Mother of Barnaby Webber

The Guardian

“I’ve been in fight mode and hyper-aware mode for years now.” — Emma Webber, Mother of Barnaby Webber

The Guardian

“We want it to expose systemic neglect with a thorough examination of the missed opportunities by mental health services, law enforcement, and judicial bodies,” — Joint statement from the families of the victims.

The Guardian