'Nottinghamshire Police's attempt to save its reputation is abhorrent - its chief must resign'
Just over a year ago Emma Webber's 19-year-old son Barnaby was one of three people senselessly stabbed to death by spree killer Valdo Calocane in a crime that shocked the world. She has now penned an open letter calling for Nottinghamshire Police's Chief Constable to resign over the force's use of a non-disclosure agreement, which she believes was an attempt to restrict reporting of its conduct before the city stabbings. This letter forms part of the victims' families long campaign to get answers to their questions.
When I stood in the centre of Nottingham on July 15 last year I was overwhelmed by the capacity for compassion, empathy and care that the residents of the city generously came out and offered us in their droves. Our world had shattered, we had been thrust into a genuine living hell and as a family we were bewildered, devastated and lost in our grief.
The support shown that day helped us more than any of the thousands who attended the vigil could possibly have known. As is well documented, our tragedy remains high profile, almost entirely due to the catastrophic failures and missed opportunities by the very agencies that should have protected and prevented the murder of our son.
These include Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Police forces and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Without a shadow of doubt I believe the exposure of many of these failures is down to the dogged, challenging and honest reporting by the vast majority of the media.
And for the people of the East Midlands, the Nottingham Post in particular. It was with absolute horror and disbelief when I was made aware that the Nottinghamshire police force had taken it upon themselves to make an official complaint to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) towards this outstanding publication. Having read their extensive list of ‘complaints’ I am beyond disgusted.
I did not think my opinion of this force and its leadership could sink any lower. But it has! We feel this was a weak, futile, ill-judged, and quite frankly abhorrent attempt to quash the freedom of reporting. Every single story and news item was entirely credible, relevant, and whilst damaging in reputation to various agencies and individuals, was most certainly in the public interest.
I am saddened that the editor and her team at the Post have been through such a stressful period whilst this ‘complaint’ was considered. But I am gladdened to know that not a single part was upheld and their integrity and honour are intact.
This is something I personally feel the Chief Constable and her team do not have. As a family we have written to the Police Crime Commissioner, Gary Godden, to express our concern and dismay. We call for Kate Meynell to receive immediate disciplinary action. Preferably dismissal.
We wonder what the people of Nottingham might say should they be given a chance to have their say. Our fight continues, and we are pleased that there will be a judge-led public inquiry.
It must be a statutory one to ensure that all failings are fully, openly and properly brought to light. There can be no more closing of ranks, sloping of shoulders or pointing of fingers.
Thank you Nottingham Post for all you have done. For us, you really are our heroes.