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A public inquiry has commenced, shedding light on the tragic events leading to Valdo Calocane’s violent rampage in Nottingham in June 2023, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The inquiry has revealed significant lapses in the mental health care provided to Calocane, whose mother had previously urged for hospital treatment following alarming outbursts. This investigation aims to scrutinise the actions of NHS services and law enforcement in relation to Calocane’s mental health management over the years.
Background of the Tragedy
Valdo Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, fatally attacked University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, along with caretaker Ian Coates, 65. The inquiry has drawn attention to a critical incident that occurred three years prior to the killings, when Calocane exhibited violent behaviour. On 24 May 2020, he was found aggressively attempting to force entry into a neighbour’s flat, prompting a mental health assessment that concluded he could be treated safely within the community.
Despite the concerning nature of this episode, mental health professionals deemed it unnecessary for Calocane to be admitted to hospital. A subsequent assessment noted he was in a psychotic state, experiencing auditory hallucinations and severe sleep deprivation. However, the team of professionals chose to manage his condition with antipsychotic medication in an outpatient setting, a decision that has since come under scrutiny.
Critical Moments Leading Up to the Killings
During the inquiry, counsel Rachel Langdale highlighted several alarming aspects of Calocane’s treatment trajectory. Following the violent incident in May 2020, he faced another episode where he attempted to enter a neighbour’s flat, resulting in the frightened resident jumping from a window and sustaining serious injuries. At that point, Calocane’s mother, Celeste Calocane, expressed deep concerns for his safety and the potential danger he posed to others, advocating for his hospitalisation.
The inquiry is now tasked with exploring the rationale behind the decision to release Calocane into the community after this incident. It raises important questions about the appropriateness of the assessments made by mental health professionals and the monitoring of his condition thereafter.
The Role of Mental Health Services
As the investigation unfolds, it has become evident that there were multiple missed opportunities to intervene in Calocane’s care. Langdale’s opening statement pointed out that between his hospital admissions, including a particularly low-profile stay in early 2022, Calocane was never adequately monitored regarding his medication or mental health status.
In September 2022, he was discharged from the early intervention in psychosis team due to a lack of engagement—a decision that has drawn criticism given that his disengagement could have indicated a worsening of his mental health. His GP, who reached out multiple times for appointments, ultimately did not see him or provide necessary medication, further complicating the issue.
Investigating Systemic Failures
The inquiry will also delve into the protocols surrounding the management of patients like Calocane, particularly in light of his documented history of violence and aggression. Langdale indicated that there might have been a disconnect in how risk assessments were applied to Calocane compared to other individuals in the community, particularly concerning the safety of students and the public at large.
Additionally, evidence presented during the inquiry revealed that prior to the tragic events, Calocane was conducting internet research into “mind control technology,” raising further concerns about his mental state and the adequacy of interventions from health professionals.
Why it Matters
This inquiry is not merely an examination of one individual’s tragic path to violence but serves as a critical examination of the broader mental health system in the UK. The findings will likely highlight systemic flaws that affect not only the treatment of individuals with complex mental health issues but also the safety of the wider community. Understanding these failures is vital to preventing future tragedies and ensuring that those in need of mental health support receive timely and appropriate care.
