FRESH details have emerged about Nottingham attacker Valdo Calocane, linking him to a previously reported incident in Pembrokeshire involving alleged violence towards an animal.

Calocane carried out a fatal knife attack in Nottingham in the early hours of Tuesday, June 13, 2023, killing University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, along with 65-year-old Ian Coates. He also attempted to kill three others.

The then 31-year-old was later given a hospital order in January 2024 after admitting three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, as well as three counts of attempted murder.

It had previously been established that Calocane was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020 and had been detained under mental health legislation on multiple occasions. Reports also indicated he experienced auditory hallucinations, which he said caused him difficulties.

He had been discharged from the care of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in September 2022, less than a year before the killings. That decision was later criticised in a Care Quality Commission report.

Now, an inquiry hearing on Tuesday, March 18 has been told of a possible earlier incident during Calocane’s time in Pembrokeshire.

Evidence presented to the inquiry stated that a former housemate, who lived with Calocane while he was attending Pembrokeshire College, contacted police following the Nottingham attacks. She claimed he had a history of mental health problems dating back several years.

The witness also described an incident involving alleged violence towards an animal, although full details were not disclosed during proceedings.

The inquiry further heard that Calocane’s mother had previously spoken about him being bullied both in Portugal and the UK, where the family lived in what was described as a predominantly white community.

A consultant forensic psychiatrist who assessed Calocane while he was in custody noted unusual behaviour during evaluations, including inappropriate smiling and a refusal to engage with questions about hearing voices.

The inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Nottingham attacks is ongoing.

Community invited to engage in key discussions ahead of election

TWO major public events focusing on climate challenges and Welsh democracy are set to take place in Narberth next month, with organisers encouraging residents to attend and take part.

The first event is a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing film, which explores the growing risks posed by climate change and environmental damage to everyday life in Britain.

The screening will be held at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth on Friday, April 17 at 7:00pm.

The film features contributions from leading UK experts across climate science, food security, health, economics and national security. It aims to provide a clear and evidence-based overview of how environmental changes are already affecting communities, as well as outlining potential responses.

Organisers say the initiative is strictly non-partisan and is supported by a wide range of organisations, including the National Trust, the Church of England, Exeter University, the Royal Meteorological Society and WWF.

Following the 45-minute screening, attendees will be invited to take part in a structured discussion focusing on what the issues mean for Pembrokeshire, including local resilience, preparedness and long-term planning.

A second event, a Green community hustings ahead of the Senedd elections, will take place the following week.

The hustings will be held at The Queens Hall, Narberth, on Friday, April 24 at 7:00pm, and will give residents the opportunity to meet candidates standing in the Ceredigion Penfro constituency and put questions directly to them.

Organisers say the event will include refreshments and an open discussion following the formal hustings.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth, who are hosting both events, say they hope the gatherings will encourage informed debate and greater public engagement ahead of the upcoming Senedd election.

Residents unable to attend are invited to submit written messages to be shared during the events.

Major Carmarthen site transformed into thriving health and wellbeing campus

PARC DEWI SANT in Carmarthen is approaching a major milestone after attracting 60 organisations in just two years, transforming the historic estate into one of Wales’ most significant integrated health and wellbeing campuses.

Set within 38 acres of the former St David’s psychiatric hospital site, the campus is now home to around 80 occupiers spanning primary care, therapy and rehabilitation services, nursing education, specialist autism provision, charities, and a wide range of community organisations.

Demand for space within the main buildings has been strong, with most now fully occupied. Attention is turning to two remaining buildings on the estate which require substantial restoration and are expected to form the next phase of development.

The owners say discussions are already underway with potential partners interested in repurposing the buildings for further healthcare, rehabilitation, and community-based services. They are seeking organisations that can help maximise the long-term potential of the site before major refurbishment work begins.

Future uses under consideration include nursing care provision, mental health step-down accommodation, and complementary services designed to strengthen the wider health and wellbeing network already established at Parc Dewi Sant.

Originally developed in the 19th century as a county asylum and later used for NHS mental health services until 2001, the estate has been reimagined as a modern campus focused on prevention, education, and community wellbeing.

Today, a broad range of services operate from the site. These include GP provision alongside NHS clinics such as diabetic eye screening, antenatal services, weight management, and smoking cessation programmes.

Community-based services including social prescribing, the Hywel Dda Community Resource Team, and the Parent and Infant Feeding Group are also based there, alongside specialist facilities such as Hafen Derwen and the Cwm Seren mental health unit.

In addition to clinical provision, the campus hosts a variety of wellbeing, leisure, and support organisations, including the Better Health and Wellbeing Hub, Hwybod + gym, and a range of therapy and rehabilitation services supporting both physical and mental health.

Parc Dewi Sant serves a strategic catchment of around 187,000 people across Carmarthenshire and is located close to Glangwili Hospital, offering complementary services focused on prevention, recovery, and community care.

Mark Andrews, Director of Parc Dewi Sant, said: “It has been a privilege to become custodians of such a historic and important estate in the heart of Carmarthen.

“From the outset we believed the site had enormous potential, and it is incredibly rewarding to see such a vibrant community of organisations now operating here.

“To have 80 occupiers on site, including 60 who have joined us in the past two years, is a fantastic milestone and a real testament to the vision for Parc Dewi Sant.

“As the main buildings reach capacity, our focus now turns to the remaining buildings and how they can be brought back into productive use.

“We would welcome conversations with organisations that can bring complementary services and ideas to the site and help us continue building a campus that supports health, wellbeing, and community life across Carmarthenshire.”

Organisations based at the campus say the environment has created new opportunities for collaboration and improved service delivery.

Meddygfa Parc, a new NHS GP surgery, relocated to the site from the town centre last month.

Jodi Bateman from the surgery said: “We feel incredibly fortunate to have moved to the beautiful surroundings of Parc Dewi Sant. This exciting new chapter allows us to continue providing high-quality care in a welcoming and modern environment.

“Our new premises give us the space and facilities to expand and develop the services we offer, helping us to better meet the needs of our growing community.”

The site will also host a free public open day on Saturday (Mar 14), giving local residents the opportunity to explore the campus and meet some of the organisations based there.