Student Killed Protecting Friend in Nottingham: Attacker Faces Sentencing

In a tragic incident in Nottingham, a student named Grace O'Malley-Kumar lost her life while bravely trying to protect her friend. Valdo Calocane, the attacker, is now facing sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court. The court heard that Grace showed incredible bravery as she fought to defend her friend, Barnaby Webber.

The incident took place in June as Grace and Barnaby were walking home along Ilkeston Road after celebrating the end of their exams. According to prosecutor Karim Khalil KC, Calocane approached them and began stabbing Barnaby with a dagger. Grace intervened and fought off the attacker, pushing him away. However, Calocane then turned his attention to Grace, assaulting her with the same ferocity as he did Barnaby. Unfortunately, Grace’s injuries were too severe, and she collapsed as Barnaby continued to defend himself.

Calocane pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility for both killings. The court was told that Calocane had previously engaged with mental health services but had not received sufficient support. Nottinghamshire Police’s assistant chief constable, Rob Griffin, admitted that the force should have done more to address Calocane’s case, including arresting him after he assaulted an officer and failed to attend court.

During the hearing, family members described Calocane as a “wicked” and dangerous individual and urged the judge, Mr Justice Turner, to impose the harshest sentence possible. Emotions ran high in the public gallery as the devastating details of Grace’s final moments were shared.

Grace’s father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, praised her bravery and selflessness, stating that she fought heroically and valiantly to protect her friend. However, her efforts were in vain due to the weapon the attacker carried. Her brother, James, emphasized Grace’s character and her dedication to her friends. He expressed deep pain and sorrow over her vulnerable and painful ending.

Grace’s mother, Sinead O’Malley, compared Calocane’s “revolting cowardice” with the heroism displayed by Grace. She highlighted that Grace was a wonderful friend who always stood up for others and paid the ultimate price. Calocane will also be sentenced for three counts of attempted murder after attempting to run over three pedestrians on the same day as the killings.

This heartbreaking incident has left the community devastated and the court will now determine the appropriate sentence for Calocane. Nottinghamshire Police have acknowledged their failure to take appropriate action in Calocane’s case, and the tragedy has raised discussions on the importance of proper support and intervention for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

The bereaved family and friends of Grace O’Malley-Kumar are determined to honor her memory and seek justice for her and Barnaby. Their emotions were shared in an emotional interview with the BBC‘s Jon Kay, where they expressed their grief and pride in Grace’s bravery.