Nottingham Killer Believed Voices Were Government Punishment for Lockdown Breach

Valdo Calocane told doctors that voices he heard in his head came from the government and were a form of punishment for breaking Covid lockdown rules, a public inquiry has heard. A doctor's report read to the inquiry on Friday said Calocane had conducted his own research and concluded the voices were not the result of mental illness and that he therefore did not need medication.

A doctor who worked at the facility at the time stated it was likely that the claim of having researched his symptoms was itself a delusion. The report described Calocane's belief that he was subject to harassment by the government through interference with his mind by inserting thoughts and transmitting voices that commented on his actions and abilities in generally unpleasant ways.

It added that he believed this harassment was done as a punishment for breaking the lockdown rules.

Calocane was sectioned four times before the killings. On 13 June 2023 he fatally stabbed Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates. He then used a van in attempts to murder three pedestrians.

Counsel to the inquiry asked a doctor involved in Calocane's care whether it was an issue for a psychotic patient to be conducting research that might appear to validate those delusional beliefs. The doctor replied that the patient was unwell and that a lot of the things they tell you are not founded on truth.

He gave the example that when the patient said the NHS was putting things in his mind, that was not founded on truth.

The details of the apparent breach of lockdown rules were not given at the inquiry. Calocane admitted manslaughter and three counts of attempted murder. He was detained indefinitely in a high-security hospital in January 2024 after prosecutors accepted his not guilty pleas to murder.

The public inquiry into the attacks and his prior care continues in London.