Crime
Nottingham tragedy: Paranoid schizophrenia and a plea to MI5
IN a chilling revelation at Nottingham Crown Court, the case of former Haverfordwest resident, Valdo Calocane, 32, unveils a tragic narrative of mental illness and missed warning signs. Calocane, suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, believed he was under the control of MI5 and other malign forces, a delusion that led to a horrific series of events in Nottingham on 13 June last year.
Calocane, who has admitted to the manslaughter of Grace O’Malley-Kumar, Barnaby Webber, and Ian Coates on the grounds of diminished responsibility, also attempted to kill three others during his rampage. His defence, led by Peter Joyce KC, highlighted Calocane’s troubled past and his attempts to seek help, including a desperate plea at Thames House, MI5’s headquarters, in May 2021.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr Nigel Blackwood detailed Calocane’s history of psychotic delusions. In one instance, Calocane broke into a flat, believing his family was in danger, causing one occupant to leap from an upstairs window in terror. On another occasion, he drove hundreds of miles to his family home, consumed by the belief they were at risk, yet fearing MI5’s surveillance, he refused to enter.
Despite treatment by mental health services since 2020, Calocane often resisted medication, misled clinicians about his symptoms, and disengaged from mental health practitioners. Dr Blackwood remarked on his intelligence and ability to conceal his illness, a factor that perhaps contributed to the tragedy’s escalation.
Adding to the complexity of the case, it has emerged that an arrest warrant was out for Calocane since September 2022, following an alleged assault on a police officer. This warrant remained active at the time of the June attacks. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin of Nottinghamshire Police has acknowledged shortcomings in their efforts to apprehend Calocane, though he noted the unlikelihood of Calocane receiving a custodial sentence for the assault.
Psychiatrists have warned of Calocane’s treatment-resistant schizophrenia, posing a deadly risk if he were to refuse medication in prison. “There is a significant risk of lethal behaviours returning,” Dr Blackwood cautioned, stressing the lack of insight Calocane has into his illness and the moral and legal wrongness of his actions.
His difficulties in Nottingham were a far cry from his upbringing in Haverfordwest.
He moved to Pembrokeshire’s county town with his parents from the West African country of Guinea-Bissau, where he was born in September 1991. Neighbours described him as a polite churchgoer from a good family who would always say hello to them.
He attended the Calvary Church along with his carer dad Amissao, 56, nurse mum Celeste, 44, and two younger siblings. Neighbour Marlene Raymond, 55, previously said: “I can picture the eldest boy now in his school uniform, he was very smart and handsome.
“He was very bright, all three children are – they are a nice family and have been lovely neighbours for years. I haven’t seen the oldest boy for some time – since he went away to college or uni. They are very clever, all of them are polite and intelligent children.”
The family worship at the Calvary Church in Haverfordwest which is less than a quarter of a mile from their home. Calocane’s guilty pleas to the manslaughter of Grace, Barnaby and school caretaker Ian Coates were accepted by prosecutors today.
As Calocane awaits sentencing this week, this case serves as a stark reminder of the intersections of mental health, criminal justice, and societal responsibility. It raises crucial questions about how individuals with severe mental illnesses are managed and monitored, especially when they show violent tendencies or seek help in unconventional ways.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
Crime
Sex offender jailed for breaching court order
A SEX offender from Wolfscastle has been jailed after using fake names on WhatsApp and attempting to access a social media app, breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
Luke Rogers, 38, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to two breaches of the order, which was imposed following his 2020 conviction for sexual activity with a child.
Under the SHPO, Rogers was prohibited from using unregistered internet-enabled devices or creating online profiles under false names. Prosecutor Ryan Bowen told the court that police monitoring software installed on Rogers’ phone detected activity in group chats under three aliases last November.
Further investigation revealed Rogers had also searched for the MeetMe app on four occasions and admitted using it. Rogers, described by Mr. Bowen as “apologetic,” was arrested, and his phone was seized.
The court heard Rogers has a history of 17 convictions for 35 offences, including breaching court orders and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.
Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Rogers had cooperated fully with police and expressed a desire to change. She argued that his breaches stemmed from a misunderstanding about permitted names and emphasized his efforts to seek support.
Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Catherine Richards noted Rogers’ pattern of reoffending and stated: “The reality is I can only pass an immediate custodial sentence.”
She expressed hope that Rogers would take advantage of post-sentence supervision to break the cycle of offending.
Crime
Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are renewing their appeal for information to locate Darren Markes, 46, from Pembroke Dock. He is wanted in connection with a domestic assault.
Markes is believed to have links to the Portsmouth and Sussex areas.
If you have seen Darren Markes or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the police through one of the following methods:
- Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101
You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:
- Phone: 0800 555 111
- Website: crimestoppers-uk.org
Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.
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