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NHS Trust Faces Manslaughter Probe Over Killer's Release
22 Jul
Summary
- Trust investigated for corporate manslaughter after patient's release.
- Valdo Calocane killed three people after being discharged in 2022.
- This is the first potential charge of its kind against an NHS trust.
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is being investigated for corporate manslaughter. The probe concerns the discharge of Valdo Calocane, who was released into the community in September 2022 despite a history of violence and mental health issues. Calocane later fatally stabbed three individuals and injured others. This investigation by Northumbria Police is significant as it could be the first time an NHS trust faces such charges before a violent patient's release.
Calocane, who has paranoid schizophrenia, had been sectioned multiple times and often refused medication, leading to violent episodes. Despite these concerns, he was repeatedly released. The trust has been instructed to preserve all relevant records and is cooperating with the investigation. Corporate manslaughter charges carry unlimited fines, and previous prosecutions against NHS trusts have resulted in acquittals. The ongoing statutory inquiry, chaired by Her Honour Deborah Taylor, will also consider these matters.
