Crime

Attorney General reviews sentence of Nottingham killer for possible leniency

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2024

THE ATTTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE is scrutinising the sentence handed down to the Nottingham killer, Valdo Calocane, also known as Adam Mendes. This review follows a submission suggesting the sentence may be unduly lenient.

32-year-old Calocane – who grew up in Haverfordwest – faced charges for the murder of Barnaby Webber, 19, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, 19, and 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates. In a turn of events, he denied murder but admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to paranoid schizophrenia. Additionally, he confessed to the attempted murder of three others, whom he injured using a van.

His pleas were accepted by the Crown, leading to an indefinite detention sentence in a high-security hospital, as ruled by the Nottingham Crown Court last Thursday.

The sentencing has sparked significant controversy and outrage among the victims’ families. They have criticised the prosecution’s decision to accept a manslaughter charge instead of pursuing a murder conviction, labelling it a “fait accompli.”

Victoria Prentis, the Attorney General, through a spokesperson, confirmed the receipt of a referral challenging the leniency of Calocane’s sentence. This action initiates a 28-day period for the cabinet minister to review and potentially refer the case to the Court of Appeal for re-evaluation.

In addition to this possible review, CCTV footage capturing Calocane’s horrific attack in Nottingham has been released, adding to public scrutiny.

Emma Webber, mother of victim Barnaby Webber, has openly criticised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for downgrading the charge from murder to manslaughter. However, it is understood that the Attorney General’s review will focus solely on the sentencing aspect, not on the charges pursued.

This case has opened the door for any concerned individual or institution to request a sentence review if they believe it to be excessively lenient.

Before the tragic events, Calocane, a Nottingham University mechanical engineering student, attacked O’Malley-Kumar and Webber as they were returning from a night out. He then fatally stabbed Coates before commandeering his van and driving into pedestrians in the city center. Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski, and Sharon Miller were seriously injured but survived the attack.

Calocane’s mental health history reveals multiple sections under the Mental Health Act, with the last hospital discharge occurring in 2022. Despite attempts to contact him post-discharge, he remained unreachable.

Compounding these concerns, at the time of the attacks, an outstanding arrest warrant existed for Calocane. He had previously failed to appear in court for an alleged assault on a police officer during a prior sectioning process.

Crime

Milford Haven disturbance sees two women arrested

Published

6 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO WOMEN were arrested following a disturbance at the Mount Estate in Milford Haven on Saturday night (May 9).

The Herald understands the arrests followed an altercation involving four people.

Video circulating on social media shows two women lying face down on the ground outside while handcuffed and restrained by police officers.

In the footage, officers can be heard telling one woman that she is being arrested on suspicion of assaulting police.

Both women were then taken away, each flanked by officers.

Other women can be seen speaking to those detained while they remain on the ground.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further details, including confirmation of the number of arrests, the nature of the incident, and whether anyone was injured.

Crime

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident at Elizabeth Court has now been stood down and the scene released.

The man has been taken to hospital to receive medical attention.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “I want to thank local residents for their patience while we dealt with this incident. I understand that such a large police presence in a residential street is concerning to see, and I’m grateful to everyone who co-operated with our officers at the scene.

“I’d like to offer my reassurance that our units responded to an isolated domestic incident, and there was no further threat posed to the wider community. The scene has now been released, and we will investigate the full circumstances of this morning’s incident.”

Officers were called to the address this morning (Saturday, May 9), with a large police presence remaining in the area for several hours.

Eyewitnesses told The Herald that police were asking a man upstairs to come down, with tasers drawn during the incident.

Police dogs, specialist officers and what appeared to be a negotiator were also seen at the scene.

The incident lasted from around 11:00am until about 3:10pm.

Crime

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL

A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident at Milford Haven School.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 8).

He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding with a knife.

The charges relate to an incident at Milford Haven School on Thursday, February 5, when emergency services were called after reports that a teacher had been assaulted by a pupil carrying a weapon.

The school was placed into lockdown and pupils were later safely evacuated.

The injured teacher was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was discharged later the same day.

Police said at the time that specialist officers were supporting the victim and the wider school community.

The teenager was remanded in custody following Friday’s hearing.

A trial is due to begin on July 6.