Inquiry probes care failures before triple killing

A statutory public inquiry is set to commence on Monday, examining the events and omissions preceding the June 2023 attacks in Nottingham. Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates were fatally attacked by Valdo Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Calocane later pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder, receiving an indefinite hospital order.

The inquiry will scrutinize Calocane's treatment by NHS healthcare services and his interactions with the police. Previous reports have highlighted "a series of errors, omissions and misjudgments" in his care and a "catalogue of failings" by mental health services, including a nine-month period without contact with services or his GP before the attacks.

Families of the victims have expressed a determination to uncover the full truth, stating they have faced "failure and silence" and are seeking accountability for systemic neglect. They aim to expose missed opportunities by mental health services, law enforcement, and judicial bodies. The families also intend to challenge the legal framework that resulted in a hospital order rather than a life sentence.

Emma Webber, Barnaby Webber's mother, anticipates "shocking" revelations as potentially thousands of documents related to Calocane's care and prior police investigations are expected to be released. The police watchdog is currently investigating Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire police forces regarding an earlier alleged attack by Calocane. The inquiry is scheduled to conclude in June.