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Nottingham Inquiry: Student Names Found in Killer's Bag
9 Mar
Summary
- Killer Valdo Calocane had student names in his rucksack.
- University of Nottingham's risk assessment is under scrutiny.
- Calocane was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
A public inquiry is examining the events leading up to the June 2023 Nottingham attacks, where Valdo Calocane killed caretaker Ian Coates and students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar. The inquiry learned that Calocane carried a rucksack containing weapons and the names of students he had shared a flat with.
During questioning, it was revealed that Calocane had assaulted and intimidated former flatmates, necessitating their rehousing by the University of Nottingham. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Katherine Linehan stated the university's actions were guided by police advice regarding the risk Calocane posed.
Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in July 2020, had been sectioned multiple times under the Mental Health Act. His previous assaults, including a 2022 incident involving a flatmate over bathroom cleanliness, resulted in police being called but no arrest or charge. The university assisted flatmates in leaving their accommodation following this incident.
Counsel for the inquiry highlighted the presence of student names in Calocane's rucksack, questioning the adequacy of the university's risk assessment, especially considering his past behavior. Professor Linehan maintained that the university considered the risks but relied on police assessments, which indicated a "very, very low level" of threat.
