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
West Wales Farmer groomed teenage girl using cash and manipulation
A MIDDLE-AGED farmer has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after grooming a teenage girl, coercing her into sending intimate pictures and videos.
David Lewis, 50, met the then 14-year-old girl at a farm in August 2021 and later added her on Facebook. Prosecutor Martha Smith-Higgins told the court: “After a few months of messaging, the defendant sent [the girl] a picture of his penis.”
Lewis from the West Carmarthenshire village of Llanboidy, manipulated the girl into sending explicit images, begging her to comply and telling her: “If you loved me, you would send me photographs.” He also sent her £120 over four separate occasions and told her she could live with him when she turned 16.
Explicit videos exchanged on Snapchat
Ms. Smith-Higgins said Lewis sent “five or six” videos of himself masturbating via Snapchat. When he asked the girl to send similar videos, she initially refused, saying she was about to leave home. However, Lewis checked her Snapchat location, discovered she was not going out, and continued to pressure her until she sent a video.
The girl later attempted to deter Lewis by telling him that the police were tracking her phone. Despite this, Lewis persisted, sending her three sexual photos and two explicit videos of himself.
Discovery and arrest
The girl’s mother became suspicious and checked her daughter’s phone, discovering explicit pictures of Lewis. Police were alerted, and Lewis was arrested on July 22, 2022.
During their investigation, officers found deleted photos of the girl on Lewis’s phone and messages where he told her: “Delete all Snapchats. Have police interview” and “Delete your photos.”
Lewis denied any wrongdoing during his police interview, claiming there had been no communication between him and the girl and that there would be no images of her on his phone. However, officers recovered three Category A images – the most severe classification – and six Category C images of the girl.
Court proceedings
Lewis, pleaded guilty to causing a child to watch a sexual act, sexual communication with a child, and two counts of making indecent images of a child.
Hannah George, representing Lewis, told the court that he had no prior convictions and had not reoffended since the incidents. She argued that a suspended sentence was appropriate, stating: “The probation service has assessed that an immediate custodial sentence would have limited impact, as it would not allow Mr. Lewis to complete the rehabilitation courses he desperately needs.”
Ms. George also cited delays in the case coming to court.
Sentencing
Judge Geraint Walters described Lewis’s actions as calculated and predatory. “The reality is that you were grooming her,” he said. “You are 50 years of age and should know better. You knew what you were doing was wrong.”
Lewis was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 35 sessions of an accredited rehabilitation programme and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
He must register as a sex offender for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same period. The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.
Crime
Murder trial of Andrew Main continues with harrowing witness testimonies
THE TRIAL of Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock, accused of murdering Andrew Main outside a west Wales hotel, continued at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Jan 10), with witnesses providing chilling details of the events that led to Main’s death in July 2024.
Initial confrontation in hotel bar
David Hillier, a night worker at the Travelodge in Swansea, recounted his experiences from the night of July 16, 2024. Beginning his shift at 11:00pm, Hillier said Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell were drinking but were not intoxicated. They were joined in the hotel bar by Hannah Tedstone, a guest at the Travelodge.
According to Hillier, Joseph Dix later entered the bar, aggressively confronting Main. Dix reportedly shouted, “What the [expletive] are you doing talking to my mate’s girlfriend?” The situation escalated, and Main and Bell left the bar, followed by Dix and Ruddock. Hillier said he locked the hotel doors to protect other guests and immediately called the police and an ambulance.
Witness awoken by screams
Sundeep Singh, a local resident, was awakened by the commotion. Giving evidence, Singh said: “A scream woke me up, and I went to the living room. I saw two people chasing one man near a lamppost. The man fell down and tried to protect himself while the other two punched him repeatedly in the face and shoulders. I called 999 immediately.”
Singh described seeing emergency vehicle lights reflected in his apartment windows as he returned to bed.
Crucial video evidence presented
Daniel Lamb, another Travelodge guest, captured part of the assault on video. Lamb testified that he awoke around 2:00am to the sounds of a confrontation outside. From his window, he recorded footage showing Dix and Ruddock pursuing Main and Bell, despite their apparent attempts to retreat.
Lamb said: “The victim, Main, got punched to the floor. He didn’t move or protect himself as the two men punched him repeatedly with force. They laughed, saying, ‘Did you see that punch?’ and called Main a ‘stupid dickhead.’” Lamb’s footage revealed Dix crouching over an unconscious Main, trying to wake him and then shouting at Bell, “You [expletive] started this. Your mate’s on the floor.”
Charges and ongoing trial
The prosecution alleges that Dix and Ruddock, both from Somerset, fatally attacked Andrew Main, a 33-year-old father of two from Falkirk, near the Travelodge on Princess Way, Swansea. Main succumbed to his injuries on August 14, 2024, nearly a month after the attack, leading to the charges being upgraded from wounding with intent to murder.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. The trial, which began in January 2025, is ongoing as more witnesses and evidence are presented.
This high-profile case has drawn significant attention, with the court hearing grim details of a night that ended in tragedy.
Crime
Crown Court appeal delayed due to lack of judges
AN APPEAL due to be heard today (Jan 10) at Swansea Crown Court has been adjourned, leaving the appellant and those involved waiting for a new date.
Niall Taylor, from Haven Drive, Milford Haven, was challenging his conviction for driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. The appeal was set to address whether Taylor, whose driving licence had lapsed due to an administrative oversight, remained insured under the terms of his policy.
However, Swansea Crown Court has confirmed that the hearing has been postponed until April due to a lack of available judges to hear the case.
Taylor was originally convicted at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in September 2023. He argues that his insurance policy covered him as a driver entitled to hold a licence despite the lapse in renewal. The delay means his legal battle will now continue into the spring.
Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.
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