Mother of Nottingham Attack Victim Demands Truth and Ramifications from Public Inquiry
Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber, one of the victims of the Nottingham attacks, has declared that she believes the upcoming public inquiry will lead to significant "ramifications" for those responsible for managing her son's killer. Speaking just days before the inquiry is set to begin, Mrs Webber emphasised that the families of the deceased "need answers on so much" because, in her view, "pretty much every single institution and organisation has failed in one way or another."
Details of the Tragic Nottingham Attacks
In June 2023, Valdo Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, carried out a series of violent acts in Nottingham. He killed Barnaby Webber and fellow University of Nottingham student Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, as well as caretaker Ian Coates, 65. Calocane also attempted to kill three additional people during the horrific incident.
Call for Truth and Accountability from Witnesses
Ahead of the inquiry, Mrs Webber issued a direct plea to all witnesses, urging them to "tell the truth." She stated firmly, "If that means that an individual is compromised in their career, or even worse, then so be it." The public inquiry, which is chaired by senior retired judge Deborah Taylor, is scheduled to commence on February 23 and is expected to deliver its findings within a two-year timeframe.
Key Questions and Institutional Failures Highlighted
When asked about the specific questions she hopes the inquiry will address, Mrs Webber outlined a comprehensive list of concerns. She stressed the need for transparency from multiple institutions:
- NHS: She demands answers regarding Calocane's diagnosis, treatment, management, sectioning, discharge, and the mental health attention he received while in custody.
- Police Forces: Mrs Webber highlighted failures by Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire police forces, questioning why they did not stop Calocane, investigate properly, or conduct a satisfactory investigation of the attack, which left many questions unresolved.
She described the scope of the inquiry as "a huge amount" due to its intensive schedule, running from February 23 to June 10, four days a week.
Expectations of Ramifications and Accountability
Mrs Webber expressed her belief that the inquiry will result in "accountability on an individual and an organisational level." She revealed that the families have uncovered numerous "scandalous revelations and failures and negligence and cover-ups," yet little has been addressed through formal processes. While she acknowledges they may not get everything they want, she is optimistic about obtaining many answers and anticipates further investigations and actions as ramifications.
Criticism of Previous Investigations and Calls for Candour
Reflecting on past efforts, Mrs Webber criticised the lack of results from approximately 11 separate investigations, describing promises of candour and transparency as "utter rubbish." She emphasised the distinction between telling the truth and telling the whole truth, noting that crucial details have often been missing. Despite this, she remains positive about the inquiry's importance and is determined to make it count.
Unwavering Determination for Truth and Future Hopes
Mrs Webber affirmed that the families will not cease their efforts until they uncover the full truth about Calocane's management. Her message to potential witnesses is simple: "Just tell the truth. Say what you did, what you didn't do properly." She reiterated that they will not go quietly, having made this clear even during a meeting with the Prime Minister at Downing Street.
On a personal note, she shared that while the grief of losing her son may never fully dissipitate, she hopes the inquiry will bring "some peace" to help her family, including Barnaby's 18-year-old brother Charlie, rebuild their lives after over two years of relentless fighting.
