Isaac Ashe & Matt Bunn reported the news from East Midlands that a judge-led public inquiry into the Nottingham attacks will be conducted “within weeks” following the tragic deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates in June 2023 at the hands of Valdo Calocane in Nottingham. Their families expressed relief and applauded the announcement during a meeting at No 10 Downing Street on Wednesday. The families had been advocating for a statutory inquiry to ensure witnesses could be compelled to provide evidence, a request that was supported by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The case, which resulted in Calocane being sentenced to a hospital order in January 2024, has undergone various reviews, including an investigation into the mental healthcare and treatment he received. Sir Keir assured the families that the inquiry would take place promptly and involve scrutiny from multiple agencies. Despite acknowledging the lengthy process to reach this decision, Sir Keir emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency as he sat alongside key ministers during the discussion. A retired judge will be appointed to oversee the inquiry, signaling the commencement of the process.
Calocane’s actions resulted in the deaths of three individuals and the injury of three pedestrians using Mr. Coates’s van in the city center. He pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility, attributed to paranoid schizophrenia. Subsequent reviews into the handling of the case by the police and Crown Prosecution Service found areas for improvement, triggering further investigations and calls for accountability. The families of the victims welcomed the announcement of the inquiry, describing it as a positive step towards justice and holding authorities accountable for their roles in the matter.
As the families shared their relief and hopes for meaningful change following the tragedy, they expressed gratitude for the progress made through the forthcoming inquiry. Emma Webber, Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, and James Coates highlighted the significance of the investigation in shedding light on the failures in the system that led to the devastating events. Their remarks echoed a collective desire for safety and improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future. The families viewed the inquiry as an opportunity to make meaningful changes for the betterment of society and ensure a safer future for all
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
