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
Former police superintendent dismissed for gross misconduct

Misogynistic behaviour spanned three years, hearing told
A FORMER senior officer has been dismissed from Dyfed-Powys Police following a gross misconduct hearing which found he had engaged in inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour towards female colleagues.
Gary Davies, who held the rank of Superintendent, had been suspended since July 2022 while an investigation was carried out into a series of allegations relating to his conduct between 2017 and 2020.
A Gross Misconduct Hearing was held at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters between 24 March and 4 April 2025. The hearing was chaired by Legally Qualified Chair, Mr Oliver Thorne.
The panel found that Davies had breached multiple standards of professional behaviour, including Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Discreditable Conduct, and Equality and Diversity. As a result, he has been dismissed from the force and placed on the College of Policing Barred List, which prevents him from returning to the police service.
Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles, who serves as the Appropriate Authority for complaints and misconduct within Dyfed-Powys Police, issued a formal statement following the outcome.
He said: “Dyfed-Powys Police expects the highest standards of professional behaviour from its officers and staff, both on and off duty – and especially from those in senior leadership roles.
“I apologise to the former and current officers and staff who were subjected to inappropriate behaviour by former Superintendent Gary Davies, and I thank them for their courage in coming forward.
“Over the past two weeks, we have heard accounts from a number of colleagues, the majority of whom are women, who experienced unacceptable misogynistic conduct during the course of their duties.
“They are role models, and I commend the integrity and bravery they have shown throughout this process.
“This case is deeply concerning and will understandably cause unease within the organisation. I want to reassure all staff and the wider public that immediate action was taken when allegations were made, and the matter has been treated with the utmost seriousness.
“The outcome of today’s hearing reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct in policing. We will continue to use all available measures to ensure those unfit to hold the office of constable are removed swiftly and efficiently.”
Davies’s name was officially added to the Barred List on Friday (Apr 4), the day the hearing concluded.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, Dafydd Llywelyn: told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The public rightly expects the highest standards from those who serve in policing. Former Superintendent Gary Davies actions fell short of these expectations, and their dismissal reflects our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public trust. There is no place in Dyfed-Powys Police for those who undermine these values.
“I would like to thank current and former staff and officers who came forward to report this misconduct. I appreciate that this must have been incredibly difficult, but their courage has been vital in ensuring accountability and upholding the standards the public deserve.”
Crime
Haverfordwest resident denies assault on partner during birthday break

A HAVERFORDWEST man has gone on trial accused of attacking his partner while on holiday in Pembrokeshire.
John Roberts, aged 51, of Barn Street, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.
The incident is alleged to have taken place on August 24 last year at a shepherd’s hut in Rosemarket, where the couple were staying to celebrate the complainant’s birthday.
Roberts is accused of grabbing his partner by the hair and banging her head against a wall, before damaging a fireplace inside the property. He denies both charges.
Opening the case, prosecutor Emily Bennett told the jury that Roberts and the complainant had been in a relationship for twelve years and were enjoying a holiday following a family barbecue.
She said that shortly after midnight, Roberts’ “mood changed,” and he allegedly launched the attack.
The jury heard that the complainant managed to escape, locked herself in the bathroom and called the police. When she later emerged, Roberts had left the property — taking one of their dogs and the keys with him — and she noticed the fireplace had been damaged.
Roberts was arrested later that day. In police interview, he denied assaulting the woman or causing any damage, claiming she had “started on him” after accusing him of being unfaithful.
The trial, before Judge Wayne Beard, continues.
Crime
Fined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco

A LLANELLI man who dropped a cigarette outside Tesco in Milford Haven has been fined over £570 after failing to attend court.
Mark Evens, aged 42, of Llys Westfa, Llanelli, was found guilty in his absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3).
The court heard that on September 3, 2024, Evens discarded a cigarette butt in a public place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied.
He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and prosecution costs of £266.66. A collection order was made, and the full balance of £574.66 must be paid by May 1.
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