The public inquiry into the horrific Nottingham attacks can begin work immediately after a judge was appointed as its chair.
Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and Ian Coates, 65, were tragically killed and three others seriously injured by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham in June 2023. In February, Keir Starmer promised grieving families that a judge-led public inquiry would take place within weeks – after vowing to hold one if he became PM during the election campaign.
The families have been fighting for answers over how Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic, was able to go on a vicious rampage following a shocking string of errors by mental health teams. He was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order in January 2024 after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder.
In a joint statement, Barnaby, Grace and Ian’s relatives said: “Following our long and painful fight for justice, we can have hope that today marks the beginning of uncovering the truth and addressing all that went so catastrophically wrong.
“The truth will out. Wrongs will be righted. We will make sure of that. Whatever it takes, however we have to do it, and for as long as we must. Unlike many, we have nothing to fear, nothing to hide or embellish.”
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood today confirmed that a statutory inquiry into the attacks will take place and that it will be chaired by former senior circuit judge Deborah Taylor. It now means the inquiry has been formally established and can begin preliminary work “immediately”.
Speaking in the House of Commons today, Ms Mahmood confirmed Ms Taylor would undertake a thorough, independent assessment of the events that culminated in these brutal attacks, and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents. Bereaved families and survivors of the attack were present in the public gallery as she made the announcement.
The Chair has already engaged with survivors and victims’ families, and taken views on the draft Terms of Reference. The final terms of reference will be published as soon as possible.
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The statutory inquiry will have the power to examine all the agencies involved, including the Nottinghamshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service; compel witnesses, and establish the facts. The Prime Minister has committed that the inquiry should report within two years.
Ms Mahmood said: “The bereaved families and survivors of the Nottingham Attack, who have suffered so much, deserve to know how these horrific attacks were able to happen. I am pleased to appoint Her Honour Deborah Taylor as the Chair of this inquiry. She brings deep experience to the role, and I know she will undertake a fearless and thorough examination of the facts.”
Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones said: “My thoughts remain with the bereaved families and survivors of this terrible incident, who in the face of such tragedy, have consistently called for an Inquiry. It is important for the bereaved families and survivors that this Inquiry reports without undue delay which is why the Prime Minister has committed the inquiry should report in two years.”
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