Crime

Prosecutors accept manslaughter plea from former Haverfordwest resident

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2024

VALDO CALOCANE a university graduate who formerly lived in Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility due to mental illness, in the harrowing Nottingham stabbings case. Known also as Adam Mendes, Calocane admitted to the killing of three and the attempted murder of three others during a spree of violence on 13 June last year.

Details of Calocane’s early life in Haverfordwest and his academic prowess came to light following the incident. He completed a degree in mechanical engineering and resided near Ilkeston Road in Nottingham, close to where the tragic events unfolded.

The first attack, as revealed in Nottingham Crown Court this week, was on Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber. Both 19-year-old University of Nottingham students were fatally stabbed by Calocane in the early hours of a Tuesday as they were walking home. Prosecutor Karim Khalil KC described the attacks as “deliberate and merciless,” detailing how O’Malley-Kumar bravely fought to defend Webber before both were overcome.

Following these attacks, Calocane called his brother, ominously stating, “It’s already done,” and advised his family to leave the country. His violent spree continued with an attempted break-in at Seely Hirst House, a hostel for vulnerable men, and a brutal assault on school caretaker Ian Coates, leaving him critically injured.

Calocane’s rampage escalated as he stole Coates’s van and drove into the city center, hitting several pedestrians. Among the severely injured was Wayne Birkett, who suffered a fractured skull, and pedestrians Sharon Miller and Marcin Gawronski, who narrowly survived the collision.

In the courtroom, Calocane, dressed in a black suit jacket, light-colored shirt, and glasses, remained impassive. The court was filled with grieving family members and friends of the victims, where emotional sobs were heard as the prosecution detailed the attacks.

CCTV footage, not shown in court, captured Calocane’s movements before the attacks, adding to the chilling narrative presented by the prosecution.

The court also learned of Calocane’s mental health history. A native of Guinea-Bissau, he had been under mental health care since relocating to the UK with his family in 2007. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, he had a history of concealing his psychosis and refusing medication. Incidents in 2020 and 2021, including a confrontation with a police officer and unauthorised entry into apartments, highlighted his deteriorating mental state.

The case, which has shocked and saddened the community, continues to unfold as the court proceeds with the sentencing.

Crime

Teen jailed after starting fire while others slept

Published

14 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Fire set in shared home left sleeping residents at risk and caused £130,000 damage

A TEENAGER who started a fire in his bedroom while other residents slept has been jailed for four years.

Jack Gornall, aged 18, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting a series of offences including arson, threats with a knife, assault, and sending malicious communications.

The court heard that in the early hours of Sunday (Nov 17), Gornall deliberately started a fire inside his room at a shared property on Mansel Street, Carmarthen.

He then barricaded the door before climbing out of a first-floor window, leaving others inside the building at risk.

One resident was asleep at the time and had to be rescued by police. Two officers were later treated for smoke inhalation after tackling the incident before firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The fire caused extensive damage to the property, estimated at around £130,000.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling told the court that Gornall had earlier gone out to buy cigarettes and a lighter, and had carried out internet searches relating to accelerants in the days leading up to the fire.

The court also heard details of other offences.

In October 2024, Gornall repeatedly contacted his sister after being blocked, including calling her child’s phone. When she answered, he became abusive and threatened to report her to social services.

On another occasion in January 2025, he approached a car in Llandysul and produced a kitchen knife, waving it at occupants through an open window. The driver sped away and alerted police.

He also admitted stealing alcohol from a supermarket in Carmarthen, during which he became aggressive and assaulted a member of staff.

Gornall pleaded guilty to all offences at an early stage.

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced him to four years’ detention in a Young Offender Institution.

Crime

Man wanted over Class A drugs investigation in Carmarthenshire

Published

18 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information to trace a man wanted in connection with a Class A drugs investigation in Llanelli.

Dyfed-Powys Police has issued a public appeal to locate Jake Ware, aged 25, who is originally from Liverpool but is known to have links in the west Wales area.

The appeal follows the execution of a warrant in Llanelli on Tuesday (Dec 17, 2025), as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected Class A drug offences.

Officers are urging members of the public to come forward if they have seen Ware or have any information that could assist in locating him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference: 25001029597.

Members of the public can also report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

2 days ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.