Nottingham Killer's Psychiatrist: 'Not Detainable'

Dr. Mike Skelton, a consultant psychiatrist, assessed Valdo Calocane in January 2022 following an incident where Calocane assaulted a flatmate. Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020, was found by Dr. Skelton to be "polite and calm," despite previous concerns and detentions under the Mental Health Act. Dr. Skelton concluded that Calocane did not meet the criteria for detention at that time.

The psychiatrist acknowledged Calocane "wished to take control" during the assessment, an unusual behavior that remained with him. Calocane had previously been familiar to Dr. Skelton due to earlier detentions and a seclusion review. Despite Calocane not taking his medication as prescribed, Skelton stated this alone was not grounds for detention.

Factors such as Calocane's composure and the ongoing investigation into the flatmate assault influenced the decision. Dr. Skelton explained that while the team agreed hospitalisation would be best, they lacked the legal powers for enforcement based on the assessment. The inquiry heard that the university removed other tenants from Calocane's accommodation for their safety.

Calocane was later sentenced in January 2024 to an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder. The inquiry into the events continues.