Nottingham Attack Inquiry Reveals Shocking Disparity in Drug Testing Procedures
The father of a university student murdered in the Nottingham attacks has expressed outrage at an inquiry, labeling it "disgusting" that the victims were tested for drugs and alcohol while their killer was not subjected to similar scrutiny. Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, father of Grace O'Malley-Kumar, voiced his distress during a judge-led investigation into the tragic events of June 2023.
Families Forced to Sign Forms Allowing Samples Without Full Disclosure
Dr. Kumar, a general practitioner and forensic medical examiner with the Metropolitan Police, revealed that he and his wife, Dr. Sinead O'Malley, were required to sign human tissue forms to release their daughter's body. He emphasized that the forms did not clearly indicate that samples could be taken for drug and alcohol testing. "That was absolutely not pointed out," he stated, adding that the testing of their children while the culprit was not tested struck him as "really quite disgusting."
Killer's Drug Use Remains Uninvestigated Despite Custody
Valdo Calocane, a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, killed Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19, and Barnaby Webber during a night out in Ilkeston Road in the early hours of June 13, 2023. He later murdered caretaker Ian Coates, 65, and ran over three pedestrians with a stolen van. Dr. Kumar expressed confusion over why a hair sample was not taken from Calocane while he was in custody, noting that such a test does not require consent and could have provided critical evidence. "It may have proved nothing but it may have proved everything," he remarked.
Police Apology and Forensic Oversights Highlighted
Retired Nottinghamshire police DS Leigh Sanders apologized to the bereaved families for the decision not to take a hair sample from Calocane. However, he argued that a hair sample would not have shown drugs or alcohol in the system at a specific time. Dr. Kumar countered this, stating, "If you are here to detect crime, that means forensics is really important. And a basic part of that forensics is head hair." He drew an analogy, describing Calocane as "an oil tanker who crashed into our children and Ian," suggesting that a slight change in his course could have altered the outcome.
Additional Grievances from Bereaved Families
The Webber family also shared their anguish at the inquiry, held in central London. Barnaby Webber's parents stated they will "never forgive" the police after officers accessed footage of the attacks and sent WhatsApp messages about their son's injuries. Emma Webber described one message as "disgusting and grotesque," while David Webber lamented that his son's privacy was not considered.
Legal Outcome and Ongoing Inquiry
Valdo Calocane admitted to manslaughter and attempted murder and is now detained indefinitely in a high-security hospital. Prosecutors accepted his not guilty pleas to murder in January 2024 on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The inquiry, chaired by retired senior judge Deborah Taylor KC, continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the handling of the case by authorities.
