Nottingham Killer Locked Up After Brutal Triple Manslaughter
Valdo Calocane, 32, has been sent to a high-security hospital after being convicted of manslaughter for the deaths of two Nottingham University students, Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and school caretaker Ian Coates. The court ruled Calocane’s paranoid schizophrenia meant diminished responsibility, avoiding a murder conviction.
Judge Condemns ‘Sickening’ Attacks and Merciless Killings
At Nottingham Crown Court, Mr Justice Turner blasted the “unsurvivable” injuries inflicted on the students. He described the savage stabbing of Mr Coates as merciless and called the crimes “sickening.” The judge noted the heart-breaking toll on the victims’ families.
Mental Health Failings Spotlighted in Sentencing
- Calocane had multiple hospital detentions but refused medication.
- The mechanical engineering graduate “remains dangerous” with no cure for his schizophrenia.
- Authorities faced criticism for missed chances to intervene earlier.
Nottinghamshire Police assistant chief constable Rob Griffin admitted more could and should have been done before tragedy struck, following Calocane’s previous mental health and law enforcement encounters.
Victims’ Families Mourn and Honour Courage
The grieving families paid tribute to Barnaby, Ian, and Grace – the latter hailed as a hero for trying to protect her friend during the attack. Their loss has left a community shattered but determined to remember their bravery.
