The NHS trust that provided care to Valdo Calocane in the years leading up to the Nottingham attacks is being examined by police for possible corporate manslaughter, investigators have confirmed. Calocane, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was given an indefinite hospital order after he fatally stabbed three people in Nottingham on 13 June 2023.
Background to the investigation
A public inquiry into the circumstances before the killings heard evidence that the defendant had been detained under the Mental Health Act on multiple occasions. The inquiry record states the trust had sectioned him four times between 2020 and 2022, and it detailed a number of violent incidents and his repeated refusal to take prescribed medication.
During one of his hospital admissions, a doctor warned that Calocane could:
"end up killing someone"
Despite those concerns, the inquiry heard that Calocane was discharged from mental health services in September 2022 after he failed to attend appointments and staff were unable to locate him.
Police handling and potential consequences
Northumbria Police confirmed it is conducting the criminal probe on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police. The force said the investigation could lead to criminal charges under the corporate manslaughter legislation, which applies to certain organisations, including public bodies such as NHS trusts.
If a prosecution proceeds and results in conviction, the trust could face significant fines and the inquiry may prompt changes to leadership and procedures within the organisation. The trust has said it is cooperating with investigators.
Victims and inquiry progress
The three people killed in the attack were identified as 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley Kumar, and 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates. The public inquiry into the killings is continuing and is expected to publish its findings next year. It has already heard that a warrant was outstanding for Calocane’s arrest at the time of the stabbings after he failed to appear in court on an allegation of assaulting a police officer.
- Key dates: Sectioned four times between 2020–2022; discharged September 2022; attacks on 13 June 2023.
- Investigation: Northumbria Police acting on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police to examine corporate manslaughter allegations.
- Possible outcomes: Criminal charges, fines, and potential leadership or procedural changes within the trust.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of times sectioned | 4 (2020–2022) |
| Date of fatal attack | 13 June 2023 |
| Victims | Barnaby Webber (19), Grace O’Malley Kumar (19), Ian Coates (65) |
The use of corporate manslaughter charges against public bodies is rare but intended to ensure organisations can be held accountable for very serious failings that result in death. The Crown Prosecution Service guidance makes clear the offence applies to entities such as local authorities and NHS trusts where systemic failings are alleged.
For Nottingham residents there are immediate questions about how mental health services identify, manage and follow up high-risk patients who disengage from care. The ongoing public inquiry and the criminal investigation will both examine whether existing safeguards failed and whether wider changes are required to prevent future tragedies.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any individuals will face separate criminal charges beyond the potential corporate manslaughter investigation. The public inquiry is expected to issue its formal conclusions next year, which may intersect with or inform the police inquiry.
Readers with concerns about mental health support in Nottinghamshire can find information on local NHS and council websites about crisis services and how to access care.
