Family of Nottingham victim face Valdo Calocane in court after he 'murdered caretaker and two students in knife rampage' | The Sun

June 20, 2023

THE family of a caretaker today faced his alleged killer in court where he is also accused of murdering two students in a knife rampage.

Valdo Amissao Mendes Calocane allegedly stabbed Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both aged 19, and 65-year-old Ian Coates to death.

The 31-year-old appeared at Nottingham Crown Court today charged with three counts of murder.

Calocane is also accused of attempted murder after three people were injured, one critically, when they were hit by a van.

The ex-University of Nottingham student was watched from the public gallery by Ian's sons as he spoke to confirm his date of birth and address.

He also replied "my name is Adam Mendes" – the same alias he used in front of magistrates previously – when asked to state his identity.

The judge said: "There are a number of people here today who are profoundly and devastatingly affected by this case.

"Can I say through you that they have shown the upmost restraint and dignity and I thank them for it."

Calocane, who was flanked by five officers in the dock, was remanded into custody to next appear at the same court on September 25 to enter pleas.

A provisional trial date was set for January 12 next year.

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The horror unfolded last Tuesday when a series of attacks took place across the city of Nottingham.

Grace and Barney's bodies were found in the street just 300 yards from their halls of residence on Ilkeston Road.

Fearless Grace put herself between the attacker and her friend in a desperate attempt to save him.

After their bodies were discovered, police found caretaker Ian dead on the ground around two miles away on Magdala Road.

The suspect then allegedly used Ian's van to ram three pedestrians, leaving one fighting for life.

At a vigil, Grace's family remembered their "beautiful baby girl" and said that she was studying to become a doctor like her dad.

They also praised the "truly wonderful young lady" who would be "so dearly missed".

Meanwhile, Barney's mum said: "My beautiful, beautiful boy, you have mine, your dad and your brother's heart forever."

They later described their "complete devastation" at losing the history student and keen cricketer.

The family said he was a "beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to".

Ian's sons said his death had "rocked everyone's world" and that he was a "great father".