Alleged data breach into Valdo Calocane case an "utter disgrace"

Valdo Calocane was found guilty of killing three people in Nottingham

Author: Rory GannonPublished 19 hours ago

The mother of one of the victims of Valdo Calocane has described alleged data breaches into his case are an "utter disgrace".

Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates were stabbed to death by Calocane in the early hours of June 13th, 2023.

Following his trial, Calocane was sentenced to a hospital order in January after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder.

However, in a letter addressed from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), it appeared that there had been breaches of Valdo's case made by government agencies.

Barnaby's mother Emma has expressed her frustrations after it emerged that data breaches into his case were made.

According to the police, the suspects were members working for the HM Prison and Probation Service and HM Courts and Tribunals Services, who gained access to Valdo's case without authorisation.

It was also revealed that Nottinghamshire Police had received the report of the alleged breaches, and promptly requested that an investigation be carried out by a unit unconnected to the force.

Giving her reaction to the incident, Emma wrote: "So many individuals and organisations failed Barney, Grace and Ian. It's an utter disgrace.

"Leicester and Nottingham police forces, the NHS, the CPS and now the wider courts and prison and probation service. When will it ever stop?

"I'd ask every single individual involved in any of these failings to pause and reflect upon what a difference their actions could have and likely would have made in preventing the murder of our loved ones at the hands of that monster had they just done their jobs properly. Shame on them."

A joint statement from the victims of Calocane raised similar criticisms, saying that there had been "misconduct of individuals from the very agencies that should be there to protect us".

They added: "The pain we continue to suffer from the utterly preventable and tragic loss of our loved ones has been made so much harder to bear by these continuing revelations. We dread to think what else is still to be uncovered.

"We need the truth and full candour from organisations and individuals about all of the grievous errors, failings and misconduct that has happened.

"Generic and pointless 'apologies and lessons to be learnt' will fall on deaf ears. Without accountability, and serious action, things will never change."

The Press Association has contacted Sussex Police for comment.

If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store, listen online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".