Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter of Three in Nottingham Stabbing Spree
Valdo Calocane, aka Adam Mendes, has admitted manslaughter but denies murder after a brutal attack in Nottingham. The 32-year-old claims “serious” mental illness caused his actions. The shocking case unfolded at Nottingham Crown Court, where it was revealed Calocane killed two university students and a school caretaker in a horrifying incident.
Tragic Attack on Students and Caretaker
On June 13, 2023, 19-year-olds Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar were fatally stabbed on Ilkeston Road, Radford. Ian Coates, a 65-year-old school caretaker, was also found dead on Magdala Road, Mapperley. Calocane then reportedly used Mr. Coates’ van to ram into pedestrians, attempting to kill three more people.
Families Devastated as Details Emerge
The court heard harrowing accounts of Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s courage as she tried to fight off her attacker to save Barnaby. Families described the victims as bright young individuals with bright futures cruelly cut short. Before Calocane’s guilty pleas were accepted, the victims’ families were consulted.
Defendant Cites Mental Illness; Sentencing Next
Calocane, currently homeless, was arrested near a convenience store on Bentinck Road, Forest Fields. His barrister, Peter Joyce KC, admitted the prosecution’s facts but stressed Calocane’s serious mental health issues at the time.
By accepting manslaughter pleas, Calocane avoids a murder trial. The upcoming sentencing hearing, lasting around two days, will decide his fate. The tragic events sent shockwaves through the University of Nottingham community, sparking vigils to honour the victims.
