The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into complaints made against Nottinghamshire Police concerning their handling of Valdo Calocane prior to the murders of Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber, and Grace O’Malley-Kumar in June 2021. The review, following a voluntary referral by Nottinghamshire Police of complaints received from the victims’ families, is also set to examine how the force dealt with the murder investigation. According to the watchdog, the complaints alleged that there were flaws in the handling of the investigation, missed opportunities by police to prevent the killings, and concerns raised about the force’s communication with the families. The IOPC also revealed that allegations had been made regarding the non-execution of an outstanding warrant for Valdo Calocane’s arrest.
The killer was given a hospital order on 25 January after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility. Commenting on behalf of the families, Barnaby Webber’s mother, Emma, expressed her sadness that the investigation resulted from their actions rather than Nottinghamshire Police referring themselves. She welcomed the IOPC review, adding that the failings and concerns had been well documented but that the families were pleased that an independent body would investigate all the points raised. Emma went on to say that the families would request the opportunity to meet with the IOPC to provide their statements and relevant evidence.
The IOPC said it would be investigating Nottinghamshire Police’s involvement with Calocane, along with the actions and decisions of Leicestershire Police following their self-referral to the watchdog. Leicestershire Police had been investigating Calocane after receiving a report that he had assaulted two colleagues at a warehouse in Kegworth on 5 May. Nottinghamshire Police had also contacted the IOPC concerning their prior contact with Calocane dating back to 2020. It emerged that officers had not detained Calocane after an arrest warrant was issued in September 2022 for the alleged assault of a police officer in 2021. At the time of the murders, the warrant was still outstanding.
IOPC Director of Operations Steve Noonan expressed his sympathies to the families, adding that the watchdog had decided to investigate the complaints made against Nottinghamshire Police’s involvement with Calocane and the decision-making that led up to it. The investigation will also cover the non-execution of the outstanding warrant and Nottinghamshire Police’s communication with the families. Nottinghamshire Police has not yet commented on the IOPC’s investigation
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