Psychiatrist Denies Race Bias in Detainment Decision

A public inquiry is investigating the circumstances surrounding the release of Valdo Calocane, a mentally ill man who tragically killed three individuals three years after his assessment. Psychiatrist Dr. Rahul Gandhi has testified, asserting that race was not a factor in the May 2020 decision to release Calocane, who was experiencing a psychotic episode. Calocane had broken into a neighbor's flat and was assessed, with the initial decision leaning towards detainment.

Despite the assessment suggesting release with monitoring, Calocane broke into another flat minutes later, causing the occupant to fall and fracture her spine. This incident, along with the prior break-in, occurred before the fatal stabbings of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates in June 2023. The inquiry heard that research on the over-representation of young black men in detention was mentioned in a later interview with Dr. Gandhi, though he stated it was for reflection and did not influence his original judgment.

Other professionals involved in the initial assessment, including Dr. Khuram Malik and AMHP Benjamin Williams, also testified. They stated that discussions about race did not occur and that crucial information about the circumstances of Calocane's arrest and the damage caused was not fully provided to the assessment team. This lack of information, they suggested, could have impacted the risk assessment, which was later reconsidered to be 'high' instead of 'medium.' The inquiry continues to examine the mental health trust's handling of the case.