A public inquiry into the tragic events surrounding the triple murder perpetrated by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham has commenced, shedding light on significant failures in the mental health care system and police response leading up to the incident. Calocane, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, was involved in the fatal stabbing of three individuals, including two University of Nottingham students, in June 2023.
A Series of Missed Signals
The inquiry, which began on Monday, has heard evidence that Calocane’s mother had implored medical authorities to admit her son to hospital following a violent episode three years prior to the stabbings. On 24 May 2020, Calocane exhibited alarming behaviour, kicking and punching a door in an attempt to gain entry to a neighbour’s flat. Mental health professionals assessed him during this incident and diagnosed him with a psychotic episode. They noted he was experiencing hallucinations, appeared vacant, and had not slept for five days.
Despite these clear warning signs, the decision was made to treat him in the community rather than hospitalise him. Dr. Gandhi, who was part of the assessment team, stated that the option to detain Calocane was considered but ultimately dismissed. He pointed to the broader context of racial disparities in mental health detentions, implying that these considerations may have influenced the decision-making process.
Subsequent Incidents and Escalating Risks
Following his release, Calocane’s behaviour escalated once more. He was arrested after attempting to enter another neighbour’s flat, causing the resident to leap from her first-floor window in fear, resulting in serious spinal injuries. During this time, his mother reiterated her concerns, expressing a strong preference for her son to receive inpatient treatment due to the perceived risk he posed to others.
The inquiry’s counsel, Rachel Langdale, highlighted a critical question: why was Calocane released back into the community despite his troubling history and ongoing mental health issues? It was not until a subsequent mental health act assessment that he was finally recommended for detention under the Mental Health Act.
Unpacking the Mental Health Assessment Flaws
The inquiry will critically evaluate the adequacy of the mental health assessments performed prior to Calocane’s release. It will explore how authorities concluded that there had been “no incidents of violence” despite the documented violent behaviour just months earlier. Furthermore, evidence presented revealed that Calocane had communicated to his parents during Christmas 2022 that he believed the voices he heard were not due to mental illness but rather the result of “mind control technology.”
In the aftermath of the stabbings, investigators discovered that Calocane had been researching related topics online, including videos of shootings. This raises important questions about the monitoring of patients’ online activities and whether mental health professionals routinely inquire about patients’ digital behaviours.
The Aftermath of the Attacks
Calocane ultimately faced justice, receiving an indefinite hospital order in January 2024 after pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder. The handling of his case has drawn criticism from the families of his victims, who feel that the system failed to protect their loved ones.
As the inquiry proceeds, it aims to uncover the systemic failures that contributed to this tragedy and to hold accountable those in charge of Calocane’s care.
Why it Matters
This inquiry is crucial not just for understanding the specific failures in Valdo Calocane’s care but also for addressing broader systemic issues within mental health services and law enforcement. It raises vital questions about the adequacy of support for individuals with severe mental health issues, the impact of community treatment versus inpatient care, and the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health that prioritises safety for both patients and the public. The insights gained from this inquiry could help prevent further tragedies and lead to essential reforms in mental health care and public safety protocols.
