PCC announces independent review of Nottingham killings

The 32-year-old fatally stabbed University of Nottingham students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, while they were walking home from an end-of-term party.

Just over an hour later, school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was killed in a further knife attack and his white van stolen by Calocane, who went on to run over three pedestrians who were lucky to survive the impact.

He was located by police shortly after the attacks.

Calocane will be detained in a high-security hospital following his sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on January 25.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, chief executive officer of the College of Policing, said: “The killings of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates were horrific and our thoughts remain with their families and friends at what continues to be an incredibly difficult time.

“The College of Policing has been asked by the Nottinghamshire PCC to carry out an independent review into the policing response surrounding this case.

“The work to commence this review will start immediately.”

Nottinghamshire Police had previously engaged with Calocane “on a number of occasions” while supporting colleagues in the NHS.

An urgent independent inspection into the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) handling of the Nottingham stabbings has also been announced by the Government.

Attorney General Victoria Prentis has asked the independent inspectorate – His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) – to carry out a “prompt and thorough review” into the case following the sentencing of Calocane.

This will include looking at CPS’s decision to accept  Calocane’s guilty pleas to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and whether the CPS met its duties to consult with families ahead of accepting pleas.

Ms Prentis said: “The senseless deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates have horrified the country.

“While nothing will bring their loved ones back, the families understandably want to understand what happened in this case.

“That’s why I have asked the inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review of CPS actions so we can properly investigate the concerns raised by the families in this devastating case.”

The Government has already taken action to get the families of Mr Webber, Ms O’Malley-Kumar and Mr Coates “the answers they deserve”.

The Health and Social Care Secretary has ordered a special review of the mental health services at the NHS Trust where Calocane was treated, which will report back within weeks.

The Attorney General is also looking at the sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing Scheme.

Leicestershire Police has referred themselves to the IOPC and the Policing Minister has also met with senior leaders at Nottinghamshire Police to discuss the case.

HMCPSI has been asked to complete their report by Easter. The Attorney General’s Office said it will work with the CPS to make sure any recommendations from the inspection are actioned as quickly as possible.

Calocane had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act several times and released by mental health services before he went on to commit the attacks.