Attacks victim's death 'potentially preventable'

The death of Barnaby Webber during the Nottingham attacks may have been potentially preventable, an inquiry has heard. The 19-year-old, along with Grace O Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates, were killed by Valdo Calocane in June 2023. On Tuesday, as closing statements were made to the Nottingham Inquiry, experts testified that if blood products had been administered to Barnaby more rapidly, he would have had a higher chance of surviving.

While the deaths of Grace and Ian were deemed not preventable, Barnaby's prognosis was characterized as such. The panel of medical professionals assessing the emergency response noted the efforts of the responders but found that additional steps would have been necessary for survival. The inquiry, which began in February, has heard from over 100 witnesses over three months, including police staff, mental healthcare practitioners, Calocane's former roommates and family members, bereaved families, and survivors.

Calocane, who has an indefinite hospital order for manslaughter and attempted murder due to diminished responsibility, is currently serving time in a high-security facility. The inquiry's counsel, Rachel Langdale KC, emphasized the crucial role of bereaved families' advocacy in bringing about the inquiry, stating that without their efforts, there would not have been a public inquiry.

Closing remarks will be delivered by retired senior judge Deborah Taylor KC, who expressed disappointment that additional evidence emerged during a break and directed parties to correct any errors or omissions by December 31.