A public inquiry has commenced, shedding light on significant lapses by healthcare and law enforcement leading up to the tragic triple murder committed by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham in June 2023. Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was responsible for the deaths of University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, along with 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates. The inquiry aims to scrutinise the mental health assessments and interventions that failed to prevent this horrific incident.
Background of the Case
The inquiry revealed troubling details about Calocane’s mental health history, particularly a violent episode in May 2020. On that occasion, he was found attempting to break into a neighbour’s flat, exhibiting signs of severe mental distress. Mental health professionals assessed him and noted that he was experiencing psychosis, evidenced by auditory hallucinations and extreme agitation. Despite these alarming signs, Calocane was deemed suitable for community treatment rather than hospitalisation, a decision that has since raised critical questions about the adequacy of risk assessments in mental health care.
During the inquiry’s proceedings, Rachel Langdale, counsel to the inquiry, highlighted that Calocane had been observed “repeatedly kicking and punching a door” in his attempt to enter the neighbour’s home. After being evaluated, it was determined by Dr. Gandhi and other mental health practitioners that he would receive antipsychotic medication as an outpatient, despite the serious nature of his condition. Dr. Gandhi revealed that while he had considered detaining Calocane, he was influenced by concerns over the over-representation of young Black males in mental health detentions.
Subsequent Incidents and Family Concerns
Following his initial assessment, Calocane was released back into the community, where he soon exhibited further concerning behaviour. He was arrested after attempting to enter another neighbour’s flat, which resulted in a woman sustaining serious injuries from jumping out of a window in fear. After this incident, Calocane’s mother, Celeste, expressed her deep concern about her son’s mental state and urged that he be hospitalised for his safety and the safety of others. Despite these warnings, he was not immediately admitted to a psychiatric facility, prompting further scrutiny during the inquiry regarding the appropriateness of his discharge.
Langdale noted that the inquiry would investigate why Calocane was allowed to return to the community when he exhibited clear risk factors. Furthermore, the inquiry will examine how prior violent incidents were overlooked in the assessments that led to his release.
Disturbing Insights from Calocane’s Online Activity
In a chilling revelation, the inquiry disclosed that Calocane had been researching “mind control technology” and had viewed disturbing content related to gun violence prior to the stabbings. This behaviour raises significant questions about how closely he was monitored during his treatment. The inquiry will delve into whether healthcare professionals ever inquired about his online activities and if patients are typically allowed unrestricted access to their phones while in care.
Calocane’s final risk assessment, conducted in February 2022, indicated that due to his history of violence, home visits should be avoided without supervision. Langdale emphasised the need to question why this precaution was not extended to the general public and fellow students at the university.
Legal Consequences and Public Outcry
In January 2024, Calocane was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and attempted murder. This outcome has sparked outrage among the victims’ families, who feel let down by a system that failed to adequately protect them.
The inquiry continues to explore the systemic failures that allowed Calocane to remain in the community despite his known risks, aiming to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.
Why it Matters
This inquiry serves as a crucial examination of the intersection between mental health care and public safety. It underscores the urgent need for reform within mental health systems, particularly regarding the assessment and management of individuals with severe mental illnesses. The outcomes of this inquiry could potentially reshape policies and practices, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the care they require while protecting the community from preventable tragedies. As we confront these complex issues, it becomes imperative that we listen to the voices of the victims’ families and work towards a more effective and compassionate mental health framework.
