Ministry of Justice staff under investigation for alleged unauthorized access to Nottingham attack case files

Allegations that Ministry of Justice (MoJ) personnel unlawfully accessed computer files pertaining to the Nottingham attacks have led to the initiation of an investigation. In June 2023, students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley Kumar, along with school caretaker Ian Coates, were fatally stabbed in Nottingham by Valdo Calocane. Calocane, previously diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was given a hospital order in January following his admission of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit is currently investigating whether government employees unlawfully accessed these case files. The unit stated that it is “currently investigating allegations under the Computer Misuse Act in relation to members of staff from His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service”. It further clarified: “This is in relation to individuals accessing case files for the investigation into the deaths of Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who were killed in an attack in Nottingham in June 2023.” The statement added: “No arrests have been made at this time as part of this investigation.” The unit emphasized that the inquiry is “completely independent from any previous investigations in relation to the original incident, to ensure the families of the deceased and injured can have full trust and confidence in the process”. Emma Webber, Barnaby’s mother, confirmed that her family had been informed of the investigation via a letter. She commented: “So many individuals and organisations failed Barney, Grace and Ian. It’s an utter disgrace.” She continued: “Leicester and Nottingham police forces, the NHS, the CPS and now the wider courts and prison and probation service. When will it ever stop?” The MoJ confirmed that the court employee subject to the investigation is no longer working for the service. A spokesperson for the MoJ stated: “Our thoughts remain with the families of Ian Coates, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber.” They added: “It would not be appropriate to comment on a live police investigation.” This development follows the dismissal in February of a special constable from Nottinghamshire Police for viewing bodycam footage depicting the aftermath of the attacks.