Special Constable Viewed Distressing Footage of Nottingham Victims Without Cause
A special constable inappropriately accessed graphic and distressing images of two students killed by Nottingham knifeman Valdo Calocane, an ongoing inquiry has heard. Special Constable Ilsadin Skenderaj viewed content including footage of their bodies being placed into body bags without a proper policing reason, making him the only officer known to have done so.
Details of the Inappropriate Access
The hearing is examining the circumstances surrounding the killings of Ian Coates, 65, and University of Nottingham undergraduates Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, in the early hours of June 13, 2023. They were stabbed to death by Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic with a history of violence. He received an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, a decision repeatedly criticised by the victims' families.
Counsel to the inquiry Alex Ivory stated that Skenderaj reported himself in September 2023 for viewing the footage. Evidence from Superintendent Kathryn Craner, head of Nottinghamshire Police's Professional Standards Directorate, revealed Skenderaj viewed 12 separate recordings, including Calocane's arrest, and had 'offensively and hurtfully' watched footage from inside an ambulance showing officers and paramedics providing medical assistance to Mr Webber and Ms O'Malley-Kumar, and placing both in body bags.
Systemic Concerns and Audit Delays
Ms Craner agreed the volunteer officer, who had no apparent involvement in the investigation, accessed 'extremely distressing, graphic' footage. She noted this indicates a need to explore whether more should be done to restrict access to computer systems during investigations. Skenderaj resigned after viewing the images at home without a policing purpose and is believed to be the only officer who self-reported such misconduct.
The inquiry heard that a Nottinghamshire Police constable was disciplined in January 2024 for accessing information about Calocane and sending a 'degrading' WhatsApp message lacking empathy. Emails read to the inquiry suggested that if audits were conducted, 'countless officers' might be found to have looked without a policing purpose, though a senior officer rejected this as a 'massive' task.
Barnaby's mother Emma Webber recently called for accessing footage without a policing purpose to be considered a criminal matter and for all related matters to be fully reopened. When asked about an audit of who accessed the footage, Ms Craner said it had not yet commenced but a decision had been made, with direction given not to conduct it internally. She admitted in hindsight she should have requested resources for the audit earlier, noting it was only decided in March this year despite knowledge of the issue since September 2023.
Inquiry Findings and Family Reactions
Mr Ivory highlighted that until the audit is completed and disciplinary action taken, officers or staff who viewed footage illegitimately could still be serving. Inquiry chairwoman Deborah Taylor suggested permission could be given so only those who needed access could view sensitive material, noting some feel a 'right to view out of curiosity.' Ms Craner agreed a small number have done so, with Ms Taylor adding the audit will reveal the true scale.
Calocane, who admitted manslaughter and three counts of attempted murder, is detained indefinitely in a high-security hospital. Grace's father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, last week called the atrocity 'totally unavoidable' and urged those involved in failures to be sacked. In an interview, he expressed upset over witnesses telling the inquiry their actions might not have prevented the attacks, emphasising that people simply did not do their jobs and no legal changes are needed, just accountability.
