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Triple killer could be freed in 3 YEARS as victim's mum blasts cops

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There were nine missed chances to stop the
There were nine missed chances to stop the 'psycho' killer

NOTTINGHAM triple killer Valdo Calocane could be freed from prison in three years - as the victim's families say they feel "let down" by police.

Calocane, 32, stabbed Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both aged 19, and 65-year-old Ian Coates to death in a brutal rampage last summer.

Murderer Valdo Calocane stabbed three people to death in Nottingham city centre and attacked three others eiqeuideuiqexprw
Murderer Valdo Calocane stabbed three people to death in Nottingham city centre and attacked three othersCredit: PA
From left to right: Ian Coates, 65, Barnaby Webber, 19 and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19
From left to right: Ian Coates, 65, Barnaby Webber, 19 and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19Credit: PA
Calocane was sentenced to a hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder
Calocane was sentenced to a hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murderCredit: PA
Barnaby Webber’s family say police 'have blood on their hands' following Calocane's sentence
Barnaby Webber’s family say police 'have blood on their hands' following Calocane's sentenceCredit: PA

He then called his brother and told him: "This will be the last time I speak to you. Take the family out of the country."

When asked if he was going to do something stupid, Calocane replied: "It is already done".

Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic, has now been locked up in Ashworth high-security hospital after pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times SquareTwo New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square

This means he will not be released while he continues to pose a risk to the public, which could be for the rest of his life.

However, Calocane could be freed just three years into his sentence.

Under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983, an offender is entitled to a review of their mental health every 36 months.

If a doctor assessing Calocane believes the killer is of sound mind, he may be released.

Those who are eligible can apply to a mental health tribunal once in the second six months, then once every year after that.

But under a Section 41 order, the Justice Secretary or a first tier tribunal can veto that assessment if they believe Calocane still poses a risk to the public.

There is thought to be concern within Government over the three-yearly-review trigger for release, according to The Telegraph.

The families of the victims have been united in their anger over the sentencing.

The killer has slipped through the net on multiple occasions
The killer has slipped through the net on multiple occasions
Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber were murdered by Calocane 200 metres from their home
Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber were murdered by Calocane 200 metres from their home
Valdo Calocane being escorted away by police
Valdo Calocane being escorted away by policeCredit: Pixel8000

Emma Webber, the mother of student Barnaby Webber, accused the police of having "blood on their hands" after the killer slipped through the net multiple times.

Speaking outside Nottingham Crown Court, Emma said: "True justice has not been served today. We as a devastated family have been let down by multiple agency failings and ineffectiveness."

At least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centreAt least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centre

But his sentence could now be referred to the Court of Appeal after the attorney general received a complaint saying it was too lenient.

Speaking to The Times at home in Somerset, Emma and her husband, David have now welcomed a decision by the attorney-general to review whether Calocane’s sentence was too lenient.

Mr Webber said the review by Victoria Prentis, the attorney-general, was “the right thing and it needs to be done”.

Rob Griffin, Nottinghamshire Police's assistant chief constable, has admitted more could have been done to arrest Calocane - especially as a warrant had been out against him for nine months.

But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has so far resisted ordering an independent review.

FAMILY HEARTBREAK

It comes after the victims’ families wept as their loved ones' harrowing final moments were revealed in court for the first time.

They also slammed the “monster” triple killer in powerful victim impact statements as they bravely faced Calocane.

Grace’s dad, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, told the brute he was a “a cold, cowardly and calculating killer”.

He went on to praise his daughter who “heroically and valiantly fought you. Like a hero she put herself in harm’s way.”

The dad said: “The love of our life has been taken away from us. [The] music from my ears has been taken away. Our landscape has turned from vivid colour to black and white.”

Barnaby’s mum Emma Webber said her son’s life had been “stolen in the most vicious, unprovoked, senseless and evil way imaginable”.

She added: “I have utter rage and pure hatred for you, the murderer that sits before me today.

“I do hope that what remains of your dark soul will feel true remorse for what you have done.”

While Ian’s son James Coates branded Calocane a “selfish monster who decided to go on a killing spree”.

“To have a life taken so horrifically is something you will never come to terms with”, he added.

WARNING SIGNS

Calocane came to the UK from Guinea-Bissau with his family in 2007 when he was aged 16.

He grew up in a devout church-going family in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire and was described as "bright and studious".

He had been receiving treatment from mental health services since 2020, including being treated with anti-psychotic medication.

It is understood his health spiralled during the Covid lockdown and complained of hearing voices telling him he needed to kill people.

Calocane had been sectioned at least four times before the attack but "actively concealed symptoms of psychosis”.

The killer also refused to take his medication and was admitted to hospital in 2020 after smashing down doors in his block of flats.

On occasion in May 2021, Calocane visited MI5's London headquarters to ask them to stop "controlling him".

The prosecutor said: "There is a photograph taken by their systems at Thames House, saying 'please arrest me' - effectively 'stop controlling me'."

Calocane also assaulted a police officer during a search of his flat, with the court told there were "missed opportunities” to alter the tragic chain of events.

Nottinghamshire Police's assistant chief constable Rob Griffin admitted "we should have done more to arrest him".

But the officer added: "Because of the circumstance prevailing, at the time of the alleged assault, in my opinion it is highly unlikely that he would have received a custodial sentence.

"Of course, an arrest might have triggered a route back into mental health services, but as we have seen from his previous encounters with those services, it seems unlikely that he would have engaged in this process."

Louis Regan

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