In the aftermath of Valdo Calocane’s sentencing to a hospital order, the families of his victims have come forward with a statement expressing their profound disappointment and anger at what they perceive as a failure of the justice system.
Emma Webber, the mother of 19-year-old Barnaby Webber, who tragically lost his life in the knife and van rampage carried out by Calocane. Ms. Webber states, “Justice has not been served,” and shares the devastation her family is experiencing, stressing that they feel let down by multiple agency failings.
“We trusted in our system – foolishly, as it turns out,” Ms. Webber laments. She goes on to describe how her son, along with his dear friend Grace O’Malley-Kumar and the grandfatherly figure Ian Coates, were “stolen” from them. The families collectively label Calocane as a “monster,” underscoring the severity of their loss.
Ms. Webber directs a pointed message at Rob Griffin, the assistant chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police, accusing him of having “blood on his hands.” She contends that had proper actions been taken, there was a significant chance that her son would still be alive today.
While expressing that there is “much more to say” and noting the existence of “serious questions” that remain unanswered, Ms. Webber concludes by highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on their lives. “Our darling son, his dear friend Grace, and a wonderfully kind grandfather, Ian, have been stolen from us forever and let down by the very system that should have been protecting them,” she stated.
The families’ poignant statement reflects the deep sense of loss and frustration with the handling of the case, prompting further scrutiny of the events leading up to the tragic incident and the subsequent legal proceedings.