Nottingham triple-killer Valdo Calocane can build Lego and play the guitar while he is detained inside a ‘soft’ NHS psychiatric hospital.

The 32-year-old paranoid schizophrenic will ‘very probably’ spend the rest of his life at high-security Ashworth Hospital for massacring 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65. 

The knifeman – who said he was hearing voices urging him to kill and believed he was controlled by MI5 and sonic waves – then sped through Nottingham city centre and rammed a white van he stole from Mr Coates into three pedestrians, all of whom survived.

But prosecutors decided not to charge Calocane with murder and instead accepted his guilty plea of manslaughter with diminished responsibility. 

It meant the killer was able to swerve being sent to a harsher Category A prison if he was convicted of murder, sparking the fury of the victims’ heartbroken relatives who raged against the decision. 

Nottingham triple-killer Valdo Calocane, 32, will 'very probably' spend the rest of his life at high-security Ashworth Hospital for massacring 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65

Nottingham triple-killer Valdo Calocane, 32, will ‘very probably’ spend the rest of his life at high-security Ashworth Hospital for massacring 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65

Barnaby’s parents said that ‘true justice has not been served’, while Ian’s son James said the killer had ‘got away with murder’.

The heartbroken relatives also accused Nottinghamshire Police of having ‘blood on their hands’ for failing to stop Calocane – who they were seeking to arrest for attacking a police officer at the time he carried out the triple killings on June 13 last year.

Calocane will be able to watch DVDs, listen to vinyl records, and play musical instruments such as the guitar and saxophone inside his room at the NHS hospital in Maghull, near Liverpool.

According to the hospital’s patients possessions catalogue, he’ll be able to watch BBC iPlayer on a 24inch television and also play a games on a computer console. 

He can decorate his room with ornaments, flags, pictures, and rugs, and can even gamble on the football pools. 

The hospital’s catalogue lets people gift patients items worth up to £300, and allows one completed Lego model at any one time. Patients are then able to take a photo of the set before it is dismantled. 

It means Calocane could build models such as the Ghostbusters ECTO-1 and the Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter. 

He is also permitted to hug relatives, reported The Sun on Sunday. 

Calocane will be able to watch DVDs, listen to vinyl records, and play musical instruments such as the guitar and saxophone inside his room at the NHS hospital in Maghull, near Liverpool

Calocane will be able to watch DVDs, listen to vinyl records, and play musical instruments such as the guitar and saxophone inside his room at the NHS hospital in Maghull, near Liverpool

Calocane will be able to roam around the well-tended to gardens in the hospital if he is deemed to be stable

Calocane will be able to roam around the well-tended to gardens in the hospital if he is deemed to be stable 

Inside one of the rooms at the hospital which permits patients to have one completed Lego model set worth up to £300

Inside one of the rooms at the hospital which permits patients to have one completed Lego model set worth up to £300

Calocane will also permitted to hug relatives, reported The Sun on Sunday

Calocane will also permitted to hug relatives, reported The Sun on Sunday

Patients can also play a game of pool in the communal area of the hospital

Patients can also play a game of pool in the communal area of the hospital 

Calocane 'will have the freedom to walk around, 24 hours a day' if he responds to treatment and is deemed to be stable, according to a former Ashworth worker

Calocane ‘will have the freedom to walk around, 24 hours a day’ if he responds to treatment and is deemed to be stable, according to a former Ashworth worker

The ex-hospital worker said the hospital is 'seen as a holiday camp' and it has a metal workshop and cookery classes

The ex-hospital worker said the hospital is ‘seen as a holiday camp’ and it has a metal workshop and cookery classes

In comparison, Calocane would have only been allowed an alarm clock, radio, books, and photos if he was sent to a Category A prison.  

Calocane ‘will have the freedom to walk around, 24 hours a day’ if he responds to treatment and is deemed to be stable, a former Ashworth worker told The Sun on Sunday.

He said: ‘If Calocane’s stable enough and they get his medication right, he can go to social events where they’ll have a film or a show on.

‘He can go and do education, he can go to the gym, arts and crafts. There’s a metal workshop, cookery classes, even a swimming pool.

‘What I found when I was there is that it’s seen as a holiday camp.’

Two consultant psychiatrists submitted evidence to his sentencing hearing that Calocane ‘knew what he was doing’ and ‘was not insane’ – but it was ultimately decided he was a ‘paranoid schizophrenic’.

This followed the judge also being told three psychiatrists had assessed Valdo Calocane and jointly concluded that he was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the offences. 

Prosecutor Karim Khalil said the experts concluded the condition ‘resulted in an abnormality of mental function… and an inability to exercise full control.’ 

The prosecution commissioned psychiatrist Dr Richard Latham to form a view on Calocane’s mental health after families of the victims brought concerns over the CPS having a plan to accept a plea of diminished responsibility in November, The Express reports.

Dr Latham did not personally interview the killer and his views were reached after reviewing assessments made by three psychiatrists who had. He reportedly agreed with the views.

Grace, 19, was a talented sportswoman who had played hockey for England

Grace, 19, was a talented sportswoman who had played hockey for England 

Barnaby, from Taunton, was stabbed on Ilkeston Road in Nottingham at 4am on June 13

Barnaby, from Taunton, was stabbed on Ilkeston Road in Nottingham at 4am on June 13

Mr Coates was a grandfather and a much-loved caretaker at a local school

Mr Coates was a grandfather and a much-loved caretaker at a local school 

Calocane (top left) glances at a group of youngsters while riding a tram on the same night as his rampage

Calocane (top left) glances at a group of youngsters while riding a tram on the same night as his rampage 

Calocane lay in wait in a dark alley before leaping out at Barnaby and Grace as they were walking home from a night out

Calocane lay in wait in a dark alley before leaping out at Barnaby and Grace as they were walking home from a night out

Forensic psychiatrist Professor Nigel Blackwood also filed a report for the prosecution which mostly concurred with two psychiatric reports from the defence that Calocane’s responsibility was diminished responsibility due to schizophrenia.

But Prof Blackwood said that the killer did not have an absolute defence to murder by insanity, The Express reported. He said: ‘He retains some responsibility in that he was not insane at the time of the assaults.’

While it has also emerged a second police force failed to act on red flags around the killer after he assaulted two of his colleagues just five weeks before his violent spree.

Pressure was growing on the Government to launch an inquiry into the attacks as Sir Keir Starmer backed calls for a probe.

The Labour leader’s intervention came after a three-day sentencing hearing was told Calocane had repeatedly come to the attention of Nottinghamshire police in the months and years leading up to last summer’s rampage.

It was also revealed Leicestershire Police officers had also been called about Calocane – five weeks before he ‘brutally and mercilessly’ stabbed to death Grace, Barnaby, and grandfather Mr Coates. 

The force said officers were sent to supply chain firm Arvato’s warehouse in Kegworth after Calocane assaulted two colleagues on May 5 last year, on only his fifth day of employment.

In a statement read on the court steps following his sentencing, Barnaby’s mother Emma said: ‘We as a devastated family have been let down by multiple agency failings and ineffectiveness.

‘The CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) did not consult us as has been reported – instead we have been rushed, hastened and railroaded.’

A sketch of Calocane appearing in court for his sentencing

A sketch of Calocane appearing in court for his sentencing 

Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby Webber, making a statement alongside relatives of the victims. Also pictured is Grace O'Malley-Kumar's father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, (left) and Ian Coates' son, James (middle)

Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby Webber, making a statement alongside relatives of the victims. Also pictured is Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, (left) and Ian Coates’ son, James (middle) 

Barnaby's father David and brother Charlie outside Nottingham Crown Court

Barnaby’s father David and brother Charlie outside Nottingham Crown Court  

Two women hug each other outside Nottingham Crown Court after an emotional day

Two women hug each other outside Nottingham Crown Court after an emotional day 

Barnaby's family (left to right) father David Webber, mother Emma Webber and brother Charlie Webber, arrive at Nottingham Crown Court

Barnaby’s family (left to right) father David Webber, mother Emma Webber and brother Charlie Webber, arrive at Nottingham Crown Court

Emma said the first meeting with them was on November 24.

‘We were presented with a fait accompli that the decision had been made to accept manslaughter charges,’ she said.

‘At no point during the previous five-and-a-half-months were we given any indication that this could conclude in anything other than murder.

‘We trusted in our system, foolishly as it turns out. We do not dispute that the murderer is mentally unwell and has been for a number of years.

‘However, the pre-mediated planning, the collection of lethal weapons, hiding in the shadows and brutality of the attacks are that of an individual who knew exactly what he was doing. He knew entirely that it was wrong but he did it anyway.’

Mr Justice Turner told the killer his actions had sentenced many relatives and friends of the victims to ‘a life of grief and pain’.

He told the triple killer: ‘There was never any doubt that it was you who had committed these appalling crimes.

‘It soon became clear, however, that the central issue in this case would relate to whether at the time of committing these offences you were suffering from symptoms of severe mental disorder.’

The judge added that the psychiatric evidence did not detract from the ‘horror’ and impact of the offences, but he said, in his view, Calocane’s abnormality of mind had significantly contributed to him perpetrating the string of attacks.

As he was sentenced, Calocane stood with his hands at his side and showed no emotion as he looked towards the sentencing judge.

Families’ anger at handling of killer’s case 

Here are the statements of the families of the three victims killed by Valdo Calocane, as read outside court:

Barnaby Webber

In a statement read outside court after sentencing, Barnaby Webber’s mother Emma Webber said: ‘True justice has not been served today.

‘We as a devastated family have been let down by multiple agency failings and ineffectiveness. The CPS did not consult with us, as has been reported. Instead, we have been rushed, hastened and railroaded.

‘The first meeting we had with them, at our behest, was Friday November 24, a few short days before the pre-trial plea hearing on the 28th. For the record, they had suggested that we actually meet them on that very morning, which we clearly thought wasn’t enough time.

‘We were presented with a fait accompli. That decision had been made to accept manslaughter charges, we were horrified.

‘At no point during the previous five and a half months were we given any indication that this could conclude in anything other than murder.

‘We trusted in our system – foolishly, as it turns out.

‘We do not dispute that the murderer is mentally unwell and has been for a number of years.

‘However, the premeditated planning, the collection of lethal weapons, hiding in the shadows, and the brutality of the attacks are of an individual who knew exactly what he was doing. He knew entirely that it was wrong but he did it anyway.

‘This has been a trial by doctors. Why was there no mental health assessment during his time in custody? Why was it the first time he had any assessment in mid-July for the defence report only? Why did he not begin to receive treatment till mid-September? And why did he remain in prison until November 1?

‘Importantly, why did Dr Blackwood, instructed by the CPS in August, wait until November 14 to interview and assess him? So many questions.

‘To Nottingham Police, we additionally have grave concerns regarding aspects of this investigation.

‘Why were we repeatedly told through the summer that the offender was a sofa surfer and had no real abode? Not true. He did. One that was registered in his name in Nottingham, and one that he had been in for six months prior to his eviction on only June 11 last year. Why?

‘It took repeated questioning from us to finally receive an answer late last Friday afternoon to the question of his outstanding warrant, issued September 2022, for a vicious attack on a police officer. Such a violent assault that he was tasered.

‘To the assistant chief constable Rob Griffin, who finally released this information publicly yesterday, I say this: you have blood on your hands.

‘If you had just done your jobs properly, there’s a very good chance my beautiful boy would be alive today.

‘There is so much more to say and clearly serious questions regarding this case and events leading up to this monster being out in society.

‘But for today, our darling son, his dear friend Grace, and a wonderfully kind grandfather Ian, have been stolen from us forever and let down by the very system that should have been protecting them.’

Grace O’Malley-Kumar

Grace’s father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, said the families would regroup to consider their next steps in the hunt for answers to questions about police, CPS and NHS failings.

He said: ‘We will never come to terms with the loss of our beloved daughter Grace and how she lost her life.

‘Her heroic actions means she was the gift to us. And she was the gift of the country. We’d like to thank our wonderful family from London and Ireland, and all of our friends for their continued love and support.

‘Whilst we have never questioned this man’s diagnosis, the lack of toxicology, contemporaneous mental health assessment, as well as missed opportunities to divert his lethal path, will forever play on our minds and this requires further review.

‘We will look for answers regarding missed opportunities to intervene and prevent this horrendous crime.

‘Thank you.’

When asked by a reporter what happens next, he said: ‘I think we all regroup. We’ve been through absolute hell for the last few days. And exactly as Emma said, we regroup and we find a path going forward.’

Ian Coates

Mr Coates’ son James Coates said Calocane had ‘got away with murder’.

He said: ‘My heart from the very beginning has gone out to the families of Grace and Barnaby. It will continue to go out to them, as we all now share an anniversary every June that will never be celebrated. They are the definition of strength and unity.

‘My heart also goes out to Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski and Sharon Miller, victims that have also been affected by this heinous crime.

‘The letter of the law was once considered the most important rule to live and abide by, put upon us to make the country a fairer and safer place.

‘Now they’re just a cautionary tale where the calculated cold brutal killing spree can be reduced down to something that falls within the same sentence and restrictions and guidelines as that of death by dangerous driving.

‘If this man was not stopped when he was, this could have been one of the most catastrophic of attacks this country had ever seen.

‘This man is a killer. Murder was the only thing he cared about. And he fulfilled this in horrific fashion on Tuesday June 13 last year. My family has suffered a great loss.

‘The children who my father had a positive impression on have suffered a great loss. The city of Nottingham has suffered a great loss.

‘The failures from the police, the CPS, the health service have resulted in the murder of my father and these two innocent students.

‘The NHS mental health trusts have to be held accountable for their failures along with the police.

‘All we can do is hope that in due course some sort of justice will be served.

‘This man has made a mockery of the system and he has got away with murder.’

Post source: Daily mail

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