Inquiry Reveals Nottingham Killer Valdo Calocane Headbutted Officer Before Fatal Stabbings

The inquiry into the actions of Valdo Calocane, who committed a triple murder in Nottingham, revealed alarming details about his past behavior towards law enforcement. Less than two years before the fatal stabbings, Calocane assaulted a police officer while being treated for mental health issues.

Details of the Incident with Officer Pritchard

On September 3, 2021, Nottinghamshire Police Constable Barnaby Pritchard responded to a call regarding Calocane at his residence. The former student was noncompliant and resisting treatment for his paranoid schizophrenia. When the officers arrived, Calocane initially appeared calm and unemotional.

However, as soon as Pritchard entered the room, Calocane suddenly attacked. He punched the officer multiple times, attempted to headbutt him, and swung his handcuffs as a weapon. Pritchard sustained bruising and swelling from the assault, which left him in pain.

Use of Restraint Measures

During the confrontation, Pritchard and others managed to restrain Calocane against a piece of furniture. Despite multiple attempts to control the situation, a Taser and Pava spray were eventually deployed to subdue him.

Calocane expressed defiance during the altercation, commenting on his physical condition and saying to officers, “You didn’t go down.” This reaction suggested a level of bravado, as PC Pritchard interpreted it as Calocane’s expectation that his force should have incapacitated him.

Context of Calocane’s Mental Health

Prior to these events, Calocane had a concerning history, having previously pushed a flatmate against a wall and stalked him on multiple occasions. Despite these incidents being reported to authorities, no further actions were taken at that time.

Fatal Stabbings in Nottingham

On June 13, 2023, Valdo Calocane carried out a brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of three individuals: University of Nottingham undergraduates Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, and 65-year-old grandfather Ian Coates. He also attempted to kill three others during this incident.

The inquiry into his actions continues, shedding light on previous red flags regarding his behavior and mental health. The findings may prompt further discussions about the managing of individuals with severe mental health conditions within the justice and healthcare systems.