Valdo Calocane

Nottingham Attacks: Families Demand Accountability After NHS Failings in Valdo Calocane Case

The horrific Nottingham attacks of June 2023, which saw the tragic deaths of three people, have once again come under intense scrutiny following the release of an independent NHS England review into the care and treatment of the perpetrator, Valdo Calocane. The families of the victims, Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, are now calling for those responsible for the failings within the NHS system to be held accountable. This article delves into the details of the case, the findings of the review, and the ongoing quest for justice.

Recent Updates: NHS Review Highlights Systemic Failures

On February 5, 2025, NHS England (Midlands) published the full independent investigation conducted by Theemis into the care and treatment of Valdo Calocane. The report highlights significant failings in the mental health care provided to Calocane prior to the attacks. While the specifics of these failings are detailed in the full report, the core message is clear: opportunities were missed to potentially prevent the tragedy.

This follows Calocane's sentencing in January 2024, where he received an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The prosecution accepted this plea due to Calocane's diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia. However, the families of the victims have consistently voiced their concerns and dissatisfaction with this outcome, believing that the severity of the crimes warranted a harsher punishment.

Contextual Background: The Nottingham Attacks and Their Aftermath

In the early hours of June 13, 2023, Valdo Calocane carried out a series of attacks in Nottingham, resulting in the deaths of Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19-year-old university students, and 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates. Calocane fatally stabbed Webber and O'Malley-Kumar in the street before stealing Coates' van and driving it into pedestrians, injuring three others.

The attacks sent shockwaves through the city of Nottingham and the wider UK. The victims were remembered as bright, promising individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. The incident sparked a national conversation about mental health care, violence, and the criminal justice system.

Valdo Calocane, who also refers to himself as Adam Mendes, was born in Guinea-Bissau on September 4, 1991. His family moved to Madeira when he was around three years old, and later to Lisbon in Portugal, before eventually settling in the UK. This background, while not directly related to the attacks, provides context to his life before the tragic events.

Immediate Effects: Anger, Grief, and Calls for Change

The immediate aftermath of the Nottingham attacks was marked by profound grief and anger. The families of the victims have been vocal in their criticism of the NHS and the justice system, demanding answers and accountability. The NHS England review is a direct result of their persistent advocacy.

The revelation that Calocane was not consistently taking his anti-psychotic medication, partly because he disliked needles, has further fueled public outrage. This detail, revealed in earlier reporting, highlights a critical breakdown in the management of his mental health condition.

The families are now calling for specific individuals involved in the failings of Calocane's care to be named and held accountable. They argue that systemic change is necessary to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. This includes a thorough review of mental health services and improved communication and coordination between healthcare providers.

Future Outlook: The Path to Accountability and Systemic Reform

The publication of the NHS England review is just one step in a long and complex process. The families of the victims are determined to continue their fight for justice and to ensure that lessons are learned from this devastating event.

Several potential outcomes are possible:

• Individual Accountability: The families may pursue legal action against specific individuals or organizations deemed responsible for the failings in Calocane's care.
• Systemic Reform: The NHS may implement significant changes to its mental health services, including improved monitoring of medication adherence, better communication between healthcare providers, and increased resources for mental health care.
• Policy Changes: The government may introduce new legislation or policies aimed at preventing future tragedies involving individuals with mental health conditions.

The case of Valdo Calocane and the Nottingham attacks serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health care and the potential consequences of systemic failures. As the families of the victims continue their fight for justice, it is crucial that lessons are learned and that meaningful changes are implemented to protect the public and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

The coming months will be crucial in determining the extent to which accountability will be achieved and the depth of the reforms that will be implemented. The focus remains on ensuring that the memories of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates are honored through meaningful action and lasting change. Their tragic deaths must serve as a catalyst for a safer and more compassionate society, one where mental health is prioritized and individuals in need receive the care and support they deserve.