The mother of one of the three individuals fatally stabbed in Nottingham has expressed that the families have been restrained from speaking out by the police watchdog regarding the findings of a report on the interactions officers had with perpetrator Valdo Calocane. Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber, disclosed that she, along with the families of Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates, were compelled to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This NDA pertains to an investigation into how Leicestershire Police officers handled alleged assaults by Calocane in the weeks leading up to the attacks. The watchdog stated that the agreement was a necessary measure to enable sharing the report with the victims’ families promptly. The IOPC indicated that the NDA would stay in effect until the investigation’s findings and outcomes are made public, expected to occur “in the coming weeks.”
Calocane, who had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, was issued a hospital order in January 2024 after admitting to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder. Previously, the IOPC disclosed that three Leicestershire Police officers – two constables and a sergeant – were under investigation for their handling of inquiries into the matter. It was alleged that Calocane assaulted two colleagues at an industrial estate in Kegworth in May 2023. Mr. Webber, Ms. O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, and Mr. Coates, aged 65, fell victim to Calocane on June 13, 2023.
NHS England (NHSE) initially intended to release only a summary of a report on the mental health care Calocane received before the attacks but later published the full report following pressure from the families. Mrs. Webber articulated, “We were coerced into signing NDAs by NHSE to affirm that we would not disclose their investigation into Calocane’s care. They were compelled to reverse this decision and release the complete report under our insistence.” She emphasized the importance of public disclosure for real accountability and change in both the NHS and IOPC investigations into the police failures in their case. Mr. Seiger, an adviser to the families, condemned the practice of silencing victims’ families and urged for its cessation.
Derrick Campbell, IOPC director, clarified, “We conducted an inquiry into Leicestershire Police’s interactions with Valdo Calocane before the homicides, specifically examining the actions and decisions of officers handling the alleged assaults by him. To promptly share our report and evidence with the victims’ families, a confidentiality agreement was deemed necessary.” Campbell assured that the agreement would be lifted at an appropriate time, allowing for the findings to be disclosed comprehensively.
The IOPC is in the process of investigating the interactions Nottinghamshire Police had with Calocane before the tragic events occurred. The police force has acknowledged their failure to take action against him promptly, disclosing that an arrest warrant had been issued in September 2022 regarding an alleged assault on a police officer in 2021. This warrant was issued just one day before Calocane was released to his General Practitioner.
Additionally, Mrs. Webber recently participated in a segment on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, where she was joined by Sinead O’Malley-Kumar’s mother, discussing the strong bond they’ve forged since the loss of their children. Together, they elaborated on their ongoing advocacy for significant reforms following the devastating incidents.
In response to criticisms in the media about the advocacy efforts of parents such as themselves, Mrs. O’Malley-Kumar expressed her frustration, emphasizing that their actions are solely motivated by love and remembrance for their children. She conveyed the sentiment that their purpose lies in seeking justice and change for the future, as they have nothing else left but to honor the memory of Barney and Grace.
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Continuing coverage on this matter includes statements from an NHS official offering condolences to the killer’s family and an NHS review outlining significant shortcomings in the care provided to the assailant. Stay informed by exploring more about this story through the following internet links: NHS England, Leicestershire Police, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
