Major review of Britain’s ‘failing’ murder laws launched after Nottingham triple killer dodged jail
MURDER laws are to be reviewed after triple killer Valdo Calocane dodged jail with a lesser plea.
The update, announced by Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood, will move to prevent such lenient sentences.
Calocane was sent to cushy Ashworth psychiatric hospital after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.
He stabbed to death Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and Ian Coates, 65, in Nottingham in June 2023.
But he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and given a hospital order.
Victims’ minister Alex Davies-Jones said: “The Law Commission will consider issues raised by the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, including how homicide is categorised and the impact of diminished responsibility.”
The review will now look at creating three tiers of homicide — first and second degree murder and manslaughter.
Under that system, Calocane could have been charged with second degree homicide.
Families of the victims welcomed the move, saying under the present “failing” system, Calocane may be released.
They added: “Calocane manipulated the system to avoid punishment. He got away with murder.
“He is now a patient in our medical system with no current process to serve any punishment.”
Judges will also consider tougher jail terms for violence against women — especially when killing is linked to break-ups.
And drink-spiking will be made a new criminal offence.