Nottingham attacks' families call for meeting with PM

The families of the Nottingham attacks’ victims have called for a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer following the conclusion of evidence hearings last week.

Court artist's drawing of Valdo Calocane (c) Alamy

Court artist's drawing of Valdo Calocane (c) Alamy

Valdo Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020, killed Barney Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates before seriously injuring three other people.

Emma Webber, mother of Barney Webber, said: ‘The sentencing, the charging decisions, the entire handling of this case needs urgent, independent re-examination.'

Calocane is serving an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder.

James Coates, son of Ian Coates, said: ‘My innocent father is not here to see justice, and it remains an incredibly bitter pill to swallow that a monster who carried out a premeditated, brutally calculated killing spree is spending his time in a hospital rather than behind bars.'

Neil Hudgell, executive chairman at Hudgell Solicitors, who represented the families, said a common theme of the inquiry had been a failure in leadership.

The inquiry revealed Nottinghamshire Police had an active, outstanding warrant for Calocane for a vicious assault on a police officer dating back months before the attacks. In addition, mental health services revealed Calocane was discharged because ‘they couldn't find him' despite warnings he posed a danger to the public.

A Government spokesperson said: ‘Our thoughts are first and foremost remain with the families and loved ones of those who were tragically killed in this truly horrific case, and we continue to stand with them in the face of such devastating loss.

‘We are determined to ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again. The Nottingham Inquiry is a crucial step in building a clearer understanding of the events that led to this tragedy, including for the families who deserve answers.

‘We are grateful to the inquiry for their ongoing work and will carefully consider their recommendations and findings once published.'

The PM's office confirmed it had received the request for a meeting and will respond in due course.

A spokesperson from NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB said: ‘We continue to fully co-operate with the Nottingham Inquiry. We await the outcome and remain committed to working with our partners to make meaningful changes to ensure sustained improvements in the delivery of safe services. Our thoughts remain with the families of Ian, Grace and Barnaby and also with Wayne, Sharon and Marcion who were injured.'

Nottingham City Council leader, Cllr Neghat Khan, said: ‘The council will reflect on the lessons and recommendations from the inquiry when they are published. Nottingham will never forget and our thoughts are with the families of Ian, Barnaby and Grace and those who suffered injuries on the tragic day in June 2023.'

The inquiry's closing submissions will be held on 8 and 9 September 2026 with its findings expected in spring 2027.

 

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