Independent review into sentence of Barnaby Webber's killer

Victoria Prentis wants HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) to carry out a prompt and thorough review following the sentencing of killer Valdo Calocane.

The families of Barnaby and his fellow victims Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates, were outraged that the CPS accepted his plea of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility rather than murder.

Calocane, who stabbed the three as well as trying to murder three other people by driving Mr Coates' van at them during his rampage in Nottingham in the early hours of June 13 las year, has been detained in a high-security hospital.

Mrs Prentis said: "The senseless deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates have horrified the country.

"While nothing will bring their loved ones back, the families understandably want to understand what happened in this case.

"That’s why I have asked the inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review of CPS actions so we can properly investigate the concerns raised by the families in this devastating case."

Meanwhile, the Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins has ordered a special review of the mental health services at the NHS Trust where Valdo Calocane was treated, which will report back within weeks.

The Attorney General is also looking at the sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing Scheme.

Leicestershire Police have referred themselves to the IOPC and the Policing Minister has also met with senior leaders at Nottinghamshire Police to discuss the case.

HMCPSI have been asked to complete their report by Easter and the Attorney General’s office will work with CPS to make sure any recommendations from the inspection are actioned as quickly as possible.

The families of the three victims who died yesterday (Monday, January 29) met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 10 Downing Street and earlier in the day with Opposition leader Keir Starmer.