Full Breakdown
Inquiry into Nottingham Attacks Reveals Failures in Police Response and Mental Health Management
3/26/2026, 12:28:58 PM
Overview of the Incident
On June 13, 2023, Valdo Calocane, a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, fatally stabbed University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, before killing 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates. The attacks occurred in the early hours of the morning, with Calocane later attempting to harm three others. Following the incident, an inquiry was launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the actions taken by various agencies.
Key Testimonies and Concerns
During the inquiry, Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, father of Grace O'Malley-Kumar, expressed his "disgust" that the victims were tested for drugs and alcohol while Calocane was not. He highlighted that Calocane refused consent for toxicology samples during his custody, raising questions about the investigative procedures. Dr. Kumar criticized the police for not taking a hair sample from Calocane, which he believed could have provided crucial forensic evidence.
Retired Nottinghamshire police officer DS Leigh Sanders acknowledged the failure to collect toxicology samples from Calocane, stating there was a "complete absence of any reference of drugs or drug abuse" in the investigation. This has led to significant criticism from the victims' families, who feel that the police response was inadequate.
Victims' Families' Reactions
The families of the victims have voiced their outrage over the handling of the case. Emma and David Webber, parents of Barnaby, described their horror upon learning that Calocane would not be prosecuted for murder but instead accepted a plea of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. They expressed feeling misled and unprepared for this outcome, which they learned during a meeting with prosecutors without prior discussion.
Ian Coates' partner, Elaine Newton, recounted the distress of being initially informed that he had died in a road traffic accident, only to later learn he had been stabbed. This led her to feel as though he had been "killed twice." Ian's sons, James and Lee Coates, also criticized the police for their lack of communication, stating they learned of their father's death through social media rather than official channels.
Official Statements and Responses
The inquiry, chaired by retired senior judge Deborah Taylor KC, continues to examine the failures in communication and investigative procedures. Nottinghamshire Police have apologized for their shortcomings, particularly regarding the failure to collect toxicology samples from Calocane. The families have called for accountability and improvements in how such cases are managed, particularly concerning mental health assessments and police interactions.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the adequacy of the police response and the mental health management of Calocane prior to the attacks. While some sources indicate that there were missed opportunities to intervene based on Calocane's mental health history, others suggest that the investigation did not find substantial evidence of drug use that would have warranted further action.
What's Next
The inquiry will continue to investigate the events leading up to the attacks, the police response, and the management of mental health issues related to Calocane. The families of the victims are expected to advocate for changes in policy and practice to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
