Key Highlights
- The Nottingham Inquiry is continuing to hear evidence related to the killings of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates.
- Christopher, a former flatmate of Valdo Calocane, described how Calocane’s behavior began to deteriorate in late 2021.
- Calocane attacked Christopher with a headlock for over a minute during a row about cleaning.
- The inquiry will examine the events leading up to the attacks and Calocane’s care and monitoring.
The Unseen Signs of Deterioration
Christopher, a former flatmate of Valdo Calocane, gave evidence that his behavior began to change in late 2021. “There was something off in his character,” Christopher said. “It didn’t sit right with me.” This statement encapsulates the silent warnings that can precede such tragic events.
Confrontation and Consequences
In a moment of confrontation, Calocane headbutted and punched a police officer during a 2021 mental health intervention. The inquiry heard bodyworn footage where Calocane could be seen telling the officer, “you did good” and “you didn’t go down.” This incident provides a stark insight into his deteriorating mental state.
A Dismissive Police Response
Christopher’s account of the police response to the attack on him was particularly telling. He said, “I felt like it was dismissive in a way, trying to basically tell me that nothing was going to happen.” This attitude is a common theme in such cases and underscores the importance of thorough mental health assessments.
Lessons Unlearned
The inquiry heard from Sam, another flatmate who witnessed Calocane’s attack on Christopher. Sam said he felt shocked when he found out about the attacks. “It didn’t feel real at first,” he added. This reaction is a testament to how such incidents can catch everyone off guard.
A Call for Change
Christopher expressed frustration with the university’s handling of his concerns about Calocane’s mental health. He said, “If someone had been sectioned a month prior, we should have been able to make an educated decision on where we live.” This highlights the need for better communication and support systems in such situations.
Final Day of Evidence
The day marks the final day of evidence for the second week of the Nottingham Inquiry. The hearing will continue with more testimonies from former flatmates and a student who worked with Calocane on a group design project. These testimonies are crucial in understanding the events that led to the tragic attacks.
As the inquiry progresses, it is hoped that lessons can be learned to prevent such incidents in the future. The silence before such tragedies speaks volumes about the urgency of addressing mental health issues early and effectively.
