Presenters Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh offered heartfelt support to grieving parents during a poignant segment on Friday's edition of ITV's Good Morning Britain.
Parents Seek Answers in Public Inquiry
The hosts welcomed Dr Sanjoy Kumar and Dr Sinead O'Malley, the parents of 19-year-old Grace O'Malley-Kumar. Grace, along with her friend Barnaby Webber, also 19, was fatally stabbed by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham on 13 June 2023. Calocane also killed 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates.
Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was given a hospital order after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter by diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder. He had been released from the care of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust mere months before the attacks.
A 'Preventable' Tragedy
During the interview, Grace's parents spoke about the forthcoming statutory public inquiry into the circumstances leading to their daughter's death. Dr Kumar stated unequivocally that the attacks were "totally preventable", occurring due to systemic failures.
He expressed profound scepticism about psychiatric assessments used in such cases, where doctors who had not seen the perpetrator on the day of the crime could later testify about their mental state. "It's preposterous," Dr Kumar said, arguing that such opinions should be dismissed by judges.
A Fight for Change in Grace's Name
Dr Kumar emphasised that their campaign for the inquiry is driven by a desire to prevent other families from suffering similar loss. "We have lost the love of our lives," he said, "but I really hope that no other parent has to be in our position. That's why we fight in Grace's name."
Moved by their courage, Ranvir Singh told the couple they were "so brave", while Kate Garraway added: "We all wish you so well in all that you're doing for other victims of terrible crimes but also in your own grieving, which must be just so tough."
The parents' appearance underscores the ongoing quest for accountability and reform in mental health and justice systems following the devastating Nottingham attacks.
