Cops failed to take proper toxicology samples from Valdo Calocane that could have led to tougher sentence

INVESTIGATORS failed to take proper toxicology samples from triple killer Valdo Calocane that could have led to a tougher sentence.

The monster was given an indefinite secure hospital order after a manslaughter plea over his Nottingham knife rampage.

But he is said to have refused to give blood and urine, and forensic teams allegedly failed to take hair samples — all of which would have shown if he had taken drugs.

Had any been found in his system, it could have wrecked his lesser sentence for killing 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley ­Kumar, and school caretaker Ian Coates, 65.

In a further blow, the victims’ families have also learned toxicology samples were taken from all three.

Any evidence of drugs or alcohol taken by them could have given Calocane, 32, a self-defence excuse.

The revelation is said to have infuriated the families, who have already forced a review into the Crown Prosecution Service decision to accept the lesser plea instead of murder.

The Sentencing Council’s punishment guidelines for manslaughter by diminished responsibility says the court must consider whether culpability is high, medium or low.

It states: “The degree to which the offender’s actions . . . contributed to the seriousness of the mental disorder at the time of the offence may be a relevant consideration.

“For example: where an offender exacerbates the mental disorder by voluntarily abusing drugs or alcohol or by voluntarily failing to seek or follow medical advice, this may increase responsibility.”

If a judge decides culpability is high, a life term with a minimum 40 years can be given.

Speaking after the sentence, Grace’s dad Dr Sanjoy Kumar said “the lack of toxicology, contemporaneous mental health assessment, as well as missed opportunities to diverge his lethal path will forever play on our minds”.

 Nottinghamshire Police said: “It wouldn’t be appropriate to make any comments until the review is carried out and the findings reported.”

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Rob Pattinson

February 1, 2024 9:55 pm