Nottingham attacker's sentence to be reviewed by the court of appeal

The Attorney General has reffered the sentence over fears it's 'unduly lenient'

Author: Maddy BullPublished 20th Feb 2024
Last updated 20th Feb 2024

The man responsible for the Nottingham attacks will have his sentence referred to the Court of Appeal.

Both the Attorney General and Solicitor General deemed Valdo Calocane's hospital order was too lenient.

Last month, Calocane who has schizophrenia was handed a hospital order on the grounds of diminished responsibility for the killings of 19 year old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley Kumar and 65 year old school care taker Ian Coates.

It means he didn't face a murder trial.

During the hearing concerns were raised about the police and CPS's handling of the case as well as the killer's contact with local mental health services.

The Attorney General Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP said:

"Valdo Calocane’s crimes were horrific and have shocked a nation. He brutally killed three innocent people, and violently attacked three other victims. Their experiences will stay in our minds for a long time to come.

"This was a case that evoked strong feelings amongst so many people and it was no surprise that I received so many referrals under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme to consider the Hospital Order handed to Calocane.

"My duty as a Law Officer in considering whether sentences may be unduly lenient is to act independently of government, even when it is not easy or popular.

"Having received detailed legal advice and considered the issues raised very carefully, I have concluded that the sentence imposed against Calocane, for the offences of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and attempted murder, was unduly lenient and will be referred to the Court of Appeal.

"My thoughts remain with all of Calocane’s victims, as well as their families and friends, who have shown such immeasurable strength during this devastating time."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.