Former senior circuit judge, Her Honour (HH) Deborah Taylor, has
been appointed by the Lord Chancellor to chair the statutory
inquiry into the Nottingham attacks.
Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, and Ian Coates,
65, were tragically killed and three others seriously injured by
Valdo Calocane in Nottingham in June 2023.
Speaking in the House of Commons today (April 22), the Lord
Chancellor confirmed HH Deborah Taylor would undertake a
thorough, independent assessment of the events that culminated in
these brutal attacks, and provide recommendations to prevent
similar incidents.
The statutory inquiry will have the power to examine all the
agencies involved, including the Nottinghamshire Police and the
Crown Prosecution Service; compel witnesses, and establish the
facts. The Prime Minister has committed that the inquiry should
report within two years.
The bereaved families and survivors of the attack were present in
the public gallery during the Lord Chancellor's announcement.
Lord Chancellor said:
"The bereaved families and survivors of the Nottingham Attack,
who have suffered so much, deserve to know how these horrific
attacks were able to happen.
“I am pleased to appoint Her Honour Deborah Taylor as the Chair
of this inquiry. She brings deep experience to the role, and I
know she will undertake a fearless and thorough examination of
the facts.”
The Chair, a retired senior circuit judge, has already engaged
with survivors and victims' families, and taken views on the
draft Terms of Reference, which will be laid in due course.
Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls
(VAWG), , said
“My thoughts remain with the bereaved families and survivors of
this terrible incident, who in the face of such tragedy, have
consistently called for an Inquiry.
“It is important for the bereaved families and survivors that
this Inquiry reports without undue delay which is why the Prime
Minister has committed the inquiry should report in two years.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- With the Chair in place and the inquiry being formally
established today, it can begin preliminary work immediately. The
final terms of reference will be published as soon as possible.
- There have been nine separate reviews into various elements
of the Nottingham attacks including: Valdo Calocane's healthcare
and the healthcare institution; actions by Nottinghamshire and
Leicestershire Police; and decisions of the CPS. IOPC
investigations into the actions of Nottinghamshire and
Leicestershire police are ongoing.
- The Law Commission is undertaking a review into homicide law
and will consider the partial defence of diminished
responsibility.
- HH Deborah Taylor was a Senior Circuit Judge, Resident Judge
at Southwark Crown Court and Recorder of Westminster until her
retirement from the Judiciary in December 2022. In 2022 she was
Treasurer of Inner Temple, where she advocated for greater
diversity at the Bar.
- Deborah has chaired the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board
(CLAAB) since July 2023.
