Attacks inquiry revealed miscarriage of justice, victim’s mother says

Nottingham Inquiry Uncovers Systemic Failings, Victim’s Mother Calls for Justice

Attacks inquiry revealed miscarriage of justice - Following a 14-week public inquiry into the June 13, 2023, attacks in Nottingham, the mother of one of the victims has described the events as a "catastrophic collapse of responsibility" and a "miscarriage of justice" that demands immediate action. Valdo Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020, was responsible for the deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, while also attempting to kill three others during the incident. The inquiry, which concluded on Friday, has brought to light significant failures by local authorities, including the NHS and police, in the lead-up to and aftermath of the tragedy.

A Tragic Day in Nottingham

The attack, which occurred in the heart of Nottingham, left three people dead and three others injured. Calocane, who pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter and three attempted murders, is currently serving an indefinite hospital order. His actions, according to the inquiry, were not isolated but part of a broader pattern of institutional neglect that contributed to the disaster. The hearings, which began on February 23, heard from 164 witnesses before concluding last week.

Emma Webber, Barnaby’s mother, expressed her anguish during a press conference in London on Monday. She emphasized that the inquiry had exposed a system that failed to protect its citizens. “It has been brutal, bruising, and harrowing beyond measure—but it was so very necessary,” she said. Emma criticized what she called a "cover-up over candour," arguing that the events were not a matter of bad luck but a result of a "catastrophic collapse of responsibility." She urged the government to act swiftly, stating, “This isn’t about vengeance; it’s about doing the right thing. Excuses stop here and accountability starts today.”

“This wasn’t bad luck. It was a catastrophic collapse of responsibility. An undoubted miscarriage of justice that must now be addressed.”

Legal and Institutional Reckoning

Representing the bereaved families, lawyer Neil Hudgell noted that there was "no legal platform" to alter Calocane’s sentence. However, he highlighted that the inquiry’s findings could pave the way for systemic reforms. “Part of our approach is to go to the prime minister and the health secretary,” Hudgell said, underscoring the families’ push for accountability beyond the individual case. The inquiry’s chair, retired senior judge Deborah Taylor KC, is set to release her final report next year, following closing statements from core participants in September.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson acknowledged the inquiry’s role in uncovering the root causes of the violence. “We’re determined to ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again,” they stated. “The Nottingham Inquiry is helping to build a clearer understanding of the events that led to this, and we’re committed to delivering the fundamental changes needed to prevent violence by those who are mentally unwell.” This commitment, however, is being tested by the families who feel the system has not yet responded adequately.

Families’ Disappointment and Calls for Change

As the third anniversary of the attacks approaches, the bereaved families have voiced their disappointment over the lack of communication from local authorities. Darren Coates, Ian’s eldest son, criticized the absence of a memorial for the victims, calling it a “kick in the teeth.” “To me, it’s like they’ve moved on already,” he said. “It’s our tragedy, but it happened in our city. They were quick to shake our hands and take a picture, and promise us the world.”

James Coates, Ian’s son, reflected on the families’ initial belief in the institutions’ ability to deliver justice. “For what felt like a very long time, we thought in the NHS and police, they had done everything they could,” he explained. “But unfortunately, we were delusional in our belief that justice would be served.” He added that the inquiry must now serve as a "true reckoning" for the failings that led to the tragedy.

“For two and a half years, we’ve watched organisations close ranks, mark their own homework, and the inquiry must be the true reckoning.”

Lee Coates, James’s brother, echoed similar sentiments, noting that while the inquiry has identified numerous issues, he remains skeptical about whether the organizations involved will implement meaningful changes. “I still think there’s a hell of a fight on our hands,” he said. The families are now pushing for a "urgent re-examination" of the case, with plans to meet the Attorney General within the next month. They aim to leverage the inquiry’s findings to demand systemic reforms, ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future.

Public Inquiry as a Turning Point

The Nottingham Inquiry has been a pivotal moment for the families, shedding light on the systemic failures that allowed Calocane’s mental state to go unaddressed. From the outset, the inquiry sought to examine how the NHS and police failed to recognize the risks associated with Calocane’s condition. These failings, according to the families, were not just about one individual but reflected a broader lack of coordination and oversight within the system.

Emma Webber’s remarks during the press conference underscored the emotional toll of the inquiry. “It has been necessary, but it has also been a long and painful process,” she said. The inquiry’s conclusion, which will be released next year, is expected to outline recommendations that could reshape how mental health services and emergency responders collaborate. Yet, the families argue that the report’s delayed release does not justify inaction. They want immediate steps to ensure that the lessons from the inquiry are applied to protect others from similar fates.

“The findings of this inquiry will not be made until spring of next year, however, that does not prevent action from being taken now.”

Despite the inquiry’s progress, the families remain focused on the need for accountability. They have been "looking at every single option" to secure justice, as stated by Emma Webber. This includes meeting with government officials to advocate for reforms in mental health care and criminal justice procedures. The pressure on the authorities is mounting, with the bereaved families determined to hold them responsible for the lives lost and the injuries sustained on that fateful day.

Councillor Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council, acknowledged the importance of the inquiry’s recommendations. “The council will reflect on the lessons and recommendations from the inquiry when they are published,” he said. “Nottingham will never forget, and our thoughts are with the families of Ian, Barnaby, and Grace, and those who suffered injuries on the tragic day in June.” His comments come as the city grapples with the legacy of the attacks and the need for long-term solutions to prevent future incidents.

As the inquiry’s report nears completion, the families are hopeful it will serve as a catalyst for change. Their efforts, though ongoing, highlight a growing demand for transparency and reform. The combination of personal loss and institutional scrutiny has galvanized them to push for a more responsive and accountable system, ensuring that the "catastrophic collapse of responsibility" does not occur again. With the final report expected to be released next year, the families are determined to keep the conversation alive and hold the authorities to their promises of improvement.