Knife crime isn’t an issue normally associated with Nottingham, a destination famous for its centuries-old hilltop castle, picturesque historic centre and starring role in the legend of Robin Hood. But in 2023, the Midlands city made headlines when two university students and a school caretaker were stabbed to death in a random attack.
Grace O'Malley-Kumar
19-year-old Grace O'Malley-Kumar had just completed her first year of medical studies at the University of Nottingham when her life was taken by attacker, Valdo Calocane. Kind, community-oriented and dedicated to her studies, Grace was passionate about helping others. So much so, that she decided to make it her career. Her friends and family recall her as a beacon of light, always ready to lend a hand.
On 13th June 2023, in the early hours of the morning, Grace’s bright future was cruelly cut short. She was walking home with her friend, Barnaby Webber, after a night out in Nottingham when the attacker struck. Grace didn't hesitate when Calocane lunged at Barnaby with a knife. She jumped in to protect her friend, demonstrating extraordinary courage in the face of danger. Grace died fighting to save her friend’s life and will be remembered as a true hero to the very end.
'You showed yourself to be a cold, cowardly and calculating killer,' said Grace’s father while addressing Calocane in court. 'You casually walked away, leaving my child lying in the street.'
Barnaby Webber
Barnaby Webber didn’t just excel in the classroom. His passion for history was matched by his enthusiasm for cricket. He was a beloved member of the Bishops Hull Cricket Club, with his teammates and coaches remembering him for his sportsmanship, dedication and positive attitude.
'Barney was a key figure in and around the club, he was more than just a club member – he was a friend, a teammate and a brother. The club [has] lost a terrific character, a talented batsman and bowler who, some may say, was a good fielder too,' reads a tribute posted on the club’s Facebook page.
Off the cricket pitch, Barnaby was described as a 'bundle of joy, full of laughs and banter and loved by each and every one of us.'
Ian Coates
Ian Coates, a 'brilliant bloke' known for his warm and helpful personality, was the third victim of the horrific knife attack in Nottingham. The school caretaker was driving his van along Magdala Road just after 5am when he was repeatedly stabbed in the abdomen and chest. The injuries were so severe that Coates never made it to hospital. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A year on from the attacks his son, 37-year-old Lee Coates, says his mental health has suffered. He says he’s struggling to come to terms with the loss of his father and calls Calocane the 'most evil person on this planet'.
'I was getting – I don’t know if you call it PTSD – but I’d close my eyes and all I could envision was what happened that night,' revealed Lee in an emotional interview with the BBC. 'You can’t help but let that run through your head and how your dad was left lying there.'
Lee’s sister, Susan Coates, says that while the loss of her brother is heartbreaking, he left a 'legacy of love, a legacy of kindness'.
The community’s response
The shockwaves of the knife attacks were felt far and wide. Vigils and memorial services held to honour Grace, Barnaby and Ian drew thousands of people together to mourn the victims and support the grieving families. The University of Nottingham set up scholarships in their names and at Huntington Academy, the school where Coates worked, a tree was planted in his memory.
Calls for change
'Senseless violence' is a phrase repeatedly used to describe the Nottingham attacks. Along with calls for increased security measures, the incident underscored the urgent need for mental health support within the community. It makes sense, as notorious killers like the Camden Ripper are often diagnosed with mental health conditions.
The hope is that a holistic approach to crime, one that factors in the needs of both the victims and the attacker, will help to prevent such tragedies in the future and most importantly, ensure that the memories of Grace, Barnaby and Ian spark meaningful change.
