**
A public inquiry has commenced to investigate the systemic failures of the NHS and police that preceded the tragic triple murder committed by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham in June 2023. The inquiry revealed that Calocane’s mother sought hospitalisation for her son following a violent episode three years before the incident, raising critical questions about mental health assessment protocols.
A Troubling History
Valdo Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, fatally stabbed three individuals: University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, and 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates. The inquiry is now examining multiple agencies, including prosecutors, police, and mental health professionals, for their roles in the lead-up to this horrific crime.
The hearings began on Monday, focusing on Calocane’s mental health history. According to reports presented by the NHS, there were significant gaps in how the Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust managed Calocane’s care, particularly regarding risk assessments for both himself and others.
The Incident That Should Have Raised Red Flags
The inquiry heard of a concerning incident on 24 May 2020, when Calocane displayed alarming behaviour, attempting to force entry into a neighbour’s flat. He was assessed by mental health professionals who noted he was experiencing a psychotic episode, marked by auditory hallucinations, confusion, and severe sleep deprivation.
Despite these symptoms, the team, including Dr. Gandhi, decided to treat him in the community rather than hospitalising him. Dr. Gandhi expressed hesitance about the decision, citing the lack of comprehensive risk history but also acknowledging the overrepresentation of young Black males in detention as a factor influencing their deliberations. He later clarified that this awareness did not sway the final decision regarding Calocane’s treatment.
The Consequences of Poor Decisions
Following his community treatment, Calocane was arrested shortly after for attempting to intrude into another neighbour’s home, an incident which left the woman with serious injuries after she jumped from a window in fright. During this period, Celeste Calocane, Valdo’s mother, expressed her concerns to mental health staff, advocating for her son to receive inpatient care due to his volatility.
The inquiry will explore the rationale behind Calocane’s release into the community, particularly considering his history of violence that included previous alarming behaviours. Only after a subsequent mental health assessment the following day was he recommended for a hospital section, which raises further questions about the initial evaluation process and the criteria used to determine his treatment path.
Seeking Answers for the Victims’ Families
The tragic outcome of Calocane’s case has led to widespread outrage, especially among the families of the victims. In January 2024, Calocane received an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder, a verdict that has been met with criticism from those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
The ongoing inquiry aims to scrutinise the decisions made by health services prior to Calocane’s release, particularly their assertion that there had been “no incidents of violence” in his recent history, despite clear warnings. The focus will also include a review of previous instances of threatening behaviour and how these were handled by mental health services.
Why it Matters
This inquiry is pivotal not only for addressing the specific failures in Valdo Calocane’s case but also for establishing a clearer framework for mental health assessments across the NHS. The tragic events in Nottingham highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that individuals exhibiting severe mental health issues receive appropriate care and supervision, thus preventing further tragedies and protecting both potential victims and those struggling with mental health conditions. The outcome of this inquiry could lead to significant changes in policy and practice, ultimately influencing how mental health crises are managed nationwide.
