The government is set to amend regulations to revoke welfare benefits for individuals detained in psychiatric hospitals after committing serious crimes, following the case of Valdo Calocane. Calocane was convicted of murdering three people in Nottingham: Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, and Ian Coates, 65.

Currently, Calocane receives payments including Universal Credit—estimated at up to £800 per month—while held in a psychiatric facility. The proposed changes aim to prevent offenders in such settings from receiving benefits typically available to patients or inmates.

The move comes amid concerns from victims’ families about the potential for early release. Barnaby Webber’s mother expressed deep distress over the possibility that Calocane could be discharged from the psychiatric hospital as soon as next year, given his status as a patient rather than a traditional prisoner. Her fears highlight ongoing debates around the management and sentencing of offenders with mental health issues in the criminal justice system.

While details of the legislative amendments have yet to be finalized, officials indicate the changes will focus on ensuring that serious offenders detained under mental health provisions do not continue to receive state benefits. This aligns with broader efforts to review sentencing, detention, and rehabilitation policies for violent offenders.

Calls have also been made, including from some victims’ advocates, for more stringent punishments in such cases, though there is no official government movement towards reinstating capital punishment.

The decision to target welfare payments for detained offenders reflects a complex balance between public safety concerns, mental health treatment considerations, and social welfare policies. Authorities are expected to clarify implementation timelines and criteria once the law is updated.