University's poignant tribute to tragic Grace and Barnaby after horror stabbings

27 January 2024 , 22:28

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Grace O'Malley-Kumar played for Southgate Hockey Club (Image: PA)

Tragic students Grace O’Mally-Kumar and Barnaby Webber are being honoured with a woodland memorial trail near where they were stabbed to death.

Volunteers at the University of Nottingham, where the pair studied, are creating the green space on campus grounds.

The spot, yards from where they were attacked, will feature a flower-lined path and seating for friends and family to pay their respects. Work on the site, which will honour all staff and students who lose their lives, will finish within months.

A volunteer said: “It’s really peaceful. We’re planting bulbs and a hedgerow to create a secluded area where people can sit and reflect.”

The first year students, both 19, were stabbed by Valdo Calocane while walking home from a night out in June. School ­caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was also killed shortly afterwards. Mental health patient ­Calocane, 32, was this week given a high-security hospital order after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

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A University of Nottingham spokesman said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the families and friends of Barney, Grace and Ian, and all those impacted by the tragic events.”

Barnaby Webber was described as a 'hero' by his younger brother (PA)

The killer, a graduate of the University of Nottingham, was sentenced on Thursday at Nottingham Crown Court to an indefinite high security hospital order after admitting the manslaughter of the three victims by reason of diminished responsibility. He also admitted three counts of attempted murder relating to pedestrians he deliberately targeted with the van. After sentencing, the families of the three victims criticised the actions of police and the Crown Prosecution Service, claiming justice had "not been served".

Speaking outside court after sentencing, Barnaby's mother Emma said: "We trusted in our system, foolishly as it turns out. We do not dispute the murderer is mentally unwell and has been for a number of years. However the pre-mediated planning, the collection of lethal weapons, hiding in the shadows and brutality of the attacks are that of an individual who knew exactly what he was doing. He knew entirely it was wrong but he did it anyway."

Saskia Rowlands