The Nottingham Inquiry

We've been representing a family involved in the Nottingham Inquiry, which was launched in 2025 to examine the tragic events of 13th June 2023. Our specialist team is providing expert support throughout the inquiry process, making sure that those affected have their voices heard.

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Author

Nicola Ryan-Donnelly

Partner & Solicitor

Reviewer

Katie Rutter

Associate, Chartered Legal Executive

Last Updated

21st July 2026

Background on the inquiry

In June 2023, three people were tragically killed and three others seriously injured in Nottingham City Centre by Valdo Calocane, who had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and a history of contact with health services and the police.

In April 2025, the then Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, announced in Parliament the launch of the Nottingham Inquiry. to examine the circumstances surrounding these events and to make recommendations to help prevent similar tragedies. The inquiry is chaired by Her Honour Deborah Taylor.

The inquiry’s terms of reference were set in May 2025, outlining the issues to be examined and the outcomes that are expected to be delivered. Evidence hearings took place between February and June 2026. Closing submissions are due to take place in September 2026.

For those affected by these events, the inquiry represents an important opportunity to seek answers, to have their voices heard, and to influence real change. So that no other family has to suffer in the same way again.

Our role in the Nottingham Inquiry

We’re representing Elaine Newton, the long-term partner of Ian Coates, and a Core Participant in the Nottingham Inquiry. Ian, a 65-year-old school caretaker at was a much-loved member of the Nottingham community – remembered for his kindness, humour and dedication to supporting pupils and colleagues. Elaine is supported by Nicola Ryan-Donnelly, Associate Solicitor in our Public Inquiry team, who has significant experience guiding families through complex and sensitive legal processes, including major trauma cases and public inquiries.

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What the inquiry aims to achieve

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Answers, accountability, and lessons for the future.

The Nottingham Inquiry is an independent statutory inquiry. Its purpose is to examine what happened, why it happened, and what needs to change to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

For families like Elaine’s, the inquiry is an opportunity for their concerns to be heard at the highest level. It’s a chance to understand the full circumstances surrounding the loss of their loved ones, and to ensure that those responsible for the failures that contributed to this tragedy are held to account. Evidence produced by a public inquiry can lead to recommendations being made for changes to policy and/or law.

How we support individuals and families:

Core participant representation – dedicated legal support to help you engage fully and effectively with the inquiry process
Evidence and submissions support – we work with you to prepare your evidence, review documents, and make sure your experience is accurately represented
Ongoing guidance and care – we keep you informed and supported at every stage, from the opening of the inquiry to the publication of the final report

Our commitment to those we represent

The events of 13th June had a profound impact on the families affected, as well as the wider Nottingham community. We are committed to supporting Elaine through the public inquiry process and ensuring her perspective is included in this important investigation.

Nicola Ryan-Donnelly has said: “It is vital that her voice is heard and that the Inquiry delivers both answers and important lessons for the future, so that no other family has to suffer in the same way again.

The team supporting Nottingham families

Our team has significant expertise in serious injury and public inquiry work.

Why choose Fletchers for support through public inquiries?

Public inquiries are often complex and emotionally demanding. Having the right legal team beside you makes a real difference. Not only to guarantee your experience is heard, but to help you understand and navigate the inquiry process. Nicola Ryan-Donnelly and the Fletchers Public Inquiry team bring together legal expertise and compassion, so you’re supported every step of the way.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist serious injury solicitors with experience in complex, high-profile cases, including The Nottingham Inquiry and The Southport Inquiry
Dedicated team led by Nicola Ryan-Donnelly, Associate Solicitor
Ranked by Legal 500 as a leading firm in serious personal injury law
Sensitive, person-centered approach at every stage of the process
Committed to securing accountability and real change for the families we represent
Helping you understand the findings, the recommendations made and any subsequent legal options available to you

“So many lives were devastated when Ian, Grace and Barnaby were killed in June 2023 by Valdo Calocane. Since then, their loved ones and the surviving victims have had to confront the agonising realisation that the tragedy in Nottingham could have been prevented.”

Nicola Ryan-Donnelly

Associate Solicitor

You're not alone

We understand this is a deeply difficult experience.

The events of June 2023 have left a deep mark on the families of those who were killed or injured, as well as the Nottingham community. Grief, anger, and a desperate need for answers are all completely understandable responses to what happened. We recognise that for many people, what matters most is being heard.

We feel strongly that it is vitally important for public inquires like this to be held. It is our hope that, with the right support through these procedures, we can drive real, meaningful change. It is important that the failures that led to this tragedy will not be repeated. Those are the outcomes we’re focused on for every family we support.

We believe that the facts must be uncovered and people held to account. Whilst change is a massive drive for families that will never change what has happened to them and many are driven by holding establishments or agencies to account for the failings alongside prevention in the future.

From the first conversation, our priority is to listen carefully, explain clearly, and take the weight of the process off your shoulders. We’ll keep you informed at every stage and make sure your voice carries the weight it deserves.

FAQs about the Nottingham Inquiry

What is the Nottingham Inquiry?

The Nottingham Inquiry is a public inquiry launched in 2025, chaired by Her Honour Deborah Taylor. It was established to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic events in Nottingham in June 2023, when three people were killed and three others seriously injured by Valdo Calocane. The Inquiry aims to identify what went wrong and make recommendations to help prevent similar attacks in the future.

Who can receive legal support in connection with the Inquiry?

If you’re a family member or close partner of one of the victims of the June 2023 events in Nottingham, or if you were directly affected as a survivor, you may be eligible for legal representation or support in connection with the Inquiry. Please get in touch with our team to discuss your situation and we will advise you honestly on how we can help.

What does legal representation in a public inquiry involve?

Legal representation in a public inquiry means having a specialist solicitor who will guide you through the process, help you understand the evidence being presented, and ensure your perspective and interests are properly represented. This includes preparing statements, attending hearings, engaging with the inquiry team on your behalf, and keeping you informed throughout.

How long will the Nottingham Inquiry take?

Evidence hearings took place between February and June 2026. Closing submissions are due to take place in September 2026 following which a timeline for publication of the report will be confirmed.