Footage Shows Assault on Police Officer
A public inquiry has been presented with footage capturing the moment Valdo Calocane violently assaulted a police officer.
Calocane was responsible for the deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, and seriously injured three others during a series of attacks across Nottingham on 13 June 2023.
The inquiry, held on Wednesday, reviewed police body-worn camera footage showing Calocane repeatedly punching PC Barnaby Pritchard while officers executed a warrant to detain him under the Mental Health Act in September 2021.
Following his restraint, tasering, and handcuffing, Calocane was heard on the footage telling Pritchard
"you did good"and
"you didn't go down".
Inquiry Background and Witnesses
The Nottingham Inquiry commenced hearing evidence in February, investigating the circumstances leading to the 2023 attacks in the city.
To date, testimonies have been provided by Calocane's former neighbours, representatives from the University of Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire Police.
Over 100 witnesses are anticipated to provide evidence throughout the next eight weeks.
Section 135 Warrant Execution
The inquiry heard that police were called to execute a Section 135 warrant under the Mental Health Act on 3 September 2021.
This warrant authorizes police to enter a private residence by force if necessary and to take an individual to a place of safety for assessment.
Officers attended Calocane's home to assist medical professionals who were already present, as Calocane was refusing to accompany them.
During the body-worn camera recording, Calocane stated he did not require assessment, asserting there was nothing wrong with him.
He was also heard saying:
"Listen, I don't have a history of mistreating women. Gentlemen if you want to take me out, I prefer you do it."
PC Pritchard explained that he interpreted this comment as Calocane preferring to be removed by him rather than by the three female officers present.
Attempt to Reason with Calocane
Officers followed Calocane into a bedroom, concerned he might barricade himself inside.
PC Rachel Wakefield attempted to persuade him to accompany the doctors, while Sgt Louise Ellis took hold of Calocane's arm.
Shortly thereafter, Calocane launched his assault.
Struggle and Use of Force
The footage depicts a struggle as Calocane was restrained against a piece of furniture.
Voices can be heard shouting
"stop it"and
"don't hit him"during the altercation.
An incapacitant spray was deployed but appeared ineffective, prompting officers to use a taser.
Calocane screamed loudly and grunted in pain as the taser was applied twice to subdue him.
He was then restrained on the bed and handcuffed, during which he was heard swearing.
PC Pritchard testified that Calocane attempted to swing the handcuffs at him before being stopped.
While lying on the bed in handcuffs, Calocane said:
"You did good, yeah."
Emotional Reactions and Officer Testimony
James Coates, son of Ian Coates, left the hearing as the footage was played, while Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby Webber, sobbed and described the footage as
"disgusting".
PC Pritchard stated:
"At the time he wasn't demonstrating any warning signs. He just began assaulting me.
It seems as soon as I stepped in the room he began just swinging completely out of the blue."
He added that the assault was among the worst he had encountered in nearly 16 years of police service.
Legal Proceedings and Outstanding Warrant
A decision to charge Calocane was made in May 2022, and he was summonsed to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court in September 2022.
Calocane did not attend the hearing due to being hospitalized, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest.
This warrant remained active when Calocane carried out the fatal attacks in June 2023.
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