Investigation Leadership and Charges
The senior officer leading the investigation into the Nottingham attacks has refuted claims that Valdo Calocane, who killed three people, was charged prematurely to "shut down stories of police failings."
Retired Detective Superintendent Leigh Sanders was appointed as the senior investigating officer following the stabbing incident on 13 June 2023, in which Calocane fatally stabbed Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, and attempted to kill three others.
A public inquiry into the attacks has revealed that Sanders advocated for charging Calocane promptly to limit certain media reporting, given the legal restrictions on court reporting in the UK.
However, on Wednesday, Sanders clarified that his intention was not to prevent publication of stories about police shortcomings.
Inquiry Proceedings and Charges Details
The inquiry, chaired by retired senior judge Deborah Taylor KC, is hearing testimony from over 100 witnesses across nine weeks in London.
Calocane was charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder on 16 June, three days after the attacks. Subsequent psychiatric assessments led to Calocane pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, in addition to three counts of attempted murder.
Calocane, aged 34, is currently serving an indefinite hospital order.
Sanders’ Focus and Media Interest
Sanders emphasized that his focus immediately following the attacks was solely on managing the triple homicide investigation and not on the surrounding media coverage.
"It was obvious by this time that media interest in the case was enormous. It made not just national news, but international news," he said.
Counsel to the inquiry, Rachel Langdale KC, questioned Sanders about whether he felt the need to communicate with the media about his actions rather than simply proceeding with the investigation.
"In terms of the media strategy if I'm being perfectly honest, I left that with gold [the senior officer with overall strategic command]. My focus was purely and squarely in trying to secure preserve evidence," Sanders responded.
Media Reporting Restrictions and Police Concerns
Once a charge is made, UK media faces the risk of contempt of court if reporting creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice to ongoing legal proceedings. This restricts media coverage after charges are imposed.
Sanders recounted how on 16 June, as Calocane was close to being charged, he received a call warning of upcoming press stories that could undermine the investigation.
The police had been approached by the press seeking to publish an "inaccurate story" about an outstanding warrant for Calocane's arrest, the inquiry heard.
Earlier testimony explained that the warrant was issued after Calocane failed to appear in court in September 2022, following an assault on a police officer the previous year.
Sanders stated he could not recall the exact details of the story he was warned about.
A decision log presented to the inquiry showed Sanders noting the need to coordinate with the head of corporate communications, Matthew Jarram, to "ascertain what covenants can be imposed on the press."
Charging Authorization and Internal Police Issues
Although police require Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorization to charge a suspect, the inquiry heard that Sanders authorized Calocane's charge prior to receiving written CPS confirmation.
Tim Moloney KC, representing the families of the victims, asked Sanders directly whether the charge was made to suppress stories about police failings related to the warrant and investigations.
"Are you sure that you didn't charge to shut down the stories of police failings around the warrant and police investigations?"
"Absolutely not," Sanders replied.
The inquiry also revealed concerns within Nottinghamshire Police about internal leaks to the media, which were investigated by the force's professional standards department.
Sanders noted that a coordinated media release involving the affected families would be necessary, acknowledging it could have a "significant impact on the reputation of the constabulary."
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