Prosecutors cleared of wrong doing in accepting Nottingham triple killer Valdo Calocane plea, Inspectorate says

The report, commissioned by Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC MP, highlighted that while the CPS followed the law in accepting Calocane’s guilty pleas of manslaughter under grounds of diminished responsibility, the service needs clarity on when victims should be “consulted” rather than “informed” of decisions.

Valdo Calocane brutally stabbed-to-death University of Nottingham Students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, plus school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, in a city-wide knife rampage in the early hours of 13th June 2023.

Chief Inspector Anthony Rogers, His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Inspectorate, said: “This was a horrific and tragic case. Valdo Calocane brutally killed three innocent people, and violently attacked three other victims. My thoughts remain with all those involved in this tragic case during this devastating time.

“It is unimaginable having to deal with the death of a loved one under such horrific circumstances, but having to deal with the criminal justice system at a time of heartbreak and grief adds a further dimension of challenge,” he said.

“To better support victims and increase public trust, we call on the government to consider amending the homicide law, review the support provided to victims of crime in serious cases such as this, and provide greater clarity about the role of victims in the criminal justice system,” he added.

The report suggests the Government considers:

• Whether homicide should be categorised into three tiers
• Whether culpability of a person who commits murder should be reduced to manslaughter under diminished responsibility
• If mandatory life sentences should remain for all cases of murder
• Whether support provided to victims under exhibiting guidelines should be clarified
• A judge sentenced Valdo Calocane to an indefinite hospital order at Nottingham Crown Court in January.

The full report states the CPS provided a “good service” to families under the Bereaved Family Scheme and the Victim’s Code of Practice but could have improved engagement with families.

It also acknowledges that the families of the three victims felt unsupported by the CPS.

The families of Grace, Barnaby, and Ian have criticised the CPS, Nottinghamshire Police, plus mental health services for the handling of the case.

A number of other reviews into organisations connected to the case are also active.

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “Valdo Calocane’s actions were shocking. He acted without mercy, devastating the lives of those who were directly affected: those who survived and the families of those who were killed. All of them have my deepest sympathy.

“In tragic and complex circumstances such as these, the CPS has difficult decisions to make, but must always act with independence and professionalism. I believe that our team did so in this case, and with considerable dedication and commitment.

"I am grateful to the Inspectorate for the care and thoroughness with which they have reviewed our actions. We will carefully consider the Report’s findings.”