A KNIFE victim’s “heroic” final moments were revealed today after she tried to save her friend in a triple murder – as their attacker faces death behind bars.
Valdo Calocane stabbed Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both aged 19, and 65-year-old Ian Coates to death in a brutal rampage.
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Valdo Calocane admitted manslaughter Credit: PA
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Grace Kumar was killed in the rampage
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Barnaby’s body was found just 300 meters from his residence
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School janitor Ian Coates was also killed in the attack
The 32-year-old then called his brother and told him: “This will be the last time I talk to you. Get the family out of the country.”
When asked if he was going to do something stupid, Calocane replied: “It’s already been done.”
Nottingham Crown Court was told that Calocane suffered from “extreme” mental illness at the time, including paranoid schizophrenia.
He now faces an indefinite hospital stay or jail time after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.
Prosecutors accepted his plea today – meaning Calocane will not be tried for murder.
Family members wept as the court was told how the horror unfolded on June 13 last year.
Grace and Barnaby were walking home after a night out at the end of term when they were accosted by Calocane, who was waiting for a victim.
‘INTENTIONAL AND MERCILESS’
Barnaby suffered “severe injuries” after being stabbed “multiple times” by a dagger the killer pulled from a bag.
As he collapsed to the floor, Grace showed “incredible courage” in trying to save him by fighting the killer.
She managed to push Calocane onto the road, but this prompted him to turn his attention to her, the court was told.
The killer was then “uncompromisingly brutal in his attack on Grace as he had been on Barnaby” and she collapsed as Barnaby tried to defend himself from the ground.
After stabbing both students, Calocane then “calmly” walked away – leaving them just 300 meters from their homes with “non-survivable” injuries.
Prosecutor Karim Khalil KC said the “brutal” attack was caught on camera in the taxi.
He added: “That footage shows that the devastating violence of the attack is only reflected in the deliberate and ruthless manner in which the accused acted.”
Once after killing Grace and Barnaby, a rampaging Calocane tried to break into the house, but was punched in the face by the startled tenant.
Undeterred, he made his way to Magdala Road where he encountered Ian the housekeeper.
After stabbing his father to death, Calocane stole his van and drove it into three pedestrians.
The triple murderer previously admitted to the attempted murders of Sharon Miller, Marcin Gawronski and Wayne Birkett, who were injured by the vehicle.
‘HER LAST MOMENTS WERE IN PAIN’
Grace’s family wept today as they praised the “hero” student, who wanted to be a doctor like his father.
Her brother James, 17, told Sky News: “Grace’s last moments were in pain and it’s something that really hurts me to think about, and she was a hero, that was her character.
“She did her best to save her friend. So Grace lost her life in the most vulnerable way.
“She would never leave a friend, never, and that was very evident in her last moments. She went through a battle.”
James also said he would “never forgive” Calocane for killing Grace and described her as “the best sister I could ask for”.
Dad Dr Sanjoy Kumar said the family had hoped Calocane would face trial for murder, but said they had “faith in the legal system”.
He also called for tougher action against the “epidemic” of knife crime and set up a foundation in her memory.
The dad added: “It’s been a brutal journey since June, I don’t think my poor wife has slept a night with many tears. It’s been a very sad time.”
Meanwhile, Barnaby’s mum Emma Webber told the court today that she wears a lock of her son’s hair around her neck every day.
She said: “Barney didn’t lose his life on June 13, his life was taken. Stolen in the most vicious, unprovoked, senseless and evil way imaginable, killed by the monster sitting in this court today.”
His father David also vowed to continue to fight for justice for his son, who was a history student and an avid cricketer.
Ian’s son James stared straight at Calocane, telling him, “Mine’s only short so I hope you’re listening Valdo?
“Our dad was just five months away from retirement and was on his way to work when he was brutally murdered, a senseless murder and his life taken without remorse.
“He had plans to do what he loved in his retirement, the fishing years. But the selfish monster decided to go on a killing spree.”
Calocane will be sentenced tomorrow.
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Grace was trying to save her friend Barnaby Webber
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Her father wept as he praised his heroic daughterCredit: Sky News
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Grace’s brother also paid tribute to his big sister
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Calocane was waiting for his victims
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