Son of Ian Coates will keep fighting for change in memory of his dad
Ian, who was 65 was killed in the Nottingham Attacks in June of 2023
The son of a school caretaker - who was killed in the Nottingham Attacks - says he'll keep fighting for change in memory of his dad.
Ian Coates was fatally stabbed in June 2023. He alongside two University of Nottingham students, Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar lost their lives that day.
Valdo Calocane, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, was sentenced to indefinite detention at a high-security hospital after admitting to manslaughter under diminished responsibility.
James Coates, says using his voice and advocating for change really matters to him.
Now focusing all his efforts on preparing for the Inquiry, due to begin later this month and hoping to shine a light on any systemic failures that led to the tragic incidents. He says he's driven by his father's memory.
“I'm ready for it. I just want it to come so I can throw myself into it and get involved and hear all the evidence”
He shared with us in an interview how the mental toll on the whole family has been considerable having struggled over the last two and a half years with investigations, and developments in the case.
“All three of us brothers are all having therapy now. We all see psychotherapists. All three of us are on medication because it feels like we haven't started to grieve yet. It's been 2 and a half years of just non-stop inquiries, inquests, investigations, like different information coming out.
"It just feels like we can't just sit back and think about our dad and try and remember the good times because there's just so much happening. It's been really tough."
Despite the challenges, James says he's determined to use his voice to advocate for change, aiming to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
"We could have just sat back and done nothing and tried to remember my dad and get on with things… but I feel like I'd regret not speaking up.
"I'm hoping that my dad will be proud of us for fighting for him, on his behalf, and obviously of the changes that will hopefully come that will be in memory of him as well."
The inquiry, chaired by Her Honour Deborah Taylor, will take place at Mary Ward House in London, starting with opening statements from core participants on the 23rd of February.
Speaking about what the Inquiry stands for, James said:
"Accountability... people need to be held accountable and if that's a slap on the wrist or someone being dismissed, as long as at the end of the day there's going to be some sort of change and hopefully, if it saves another life then I'm happy with that."
James also shares that he has formed a close bond with the other victims' families, despite their different backgrounds, uniting them in their shared battle for justice. He expressed gratitude for these connections, noting the significance of having a support network that understands exactly what his family is experiencing.
As preparation for the inquiry continues, James emphasizes the value of the changes that could arise from it, hoping they will benefit society as a whole and honour his father’s legacy.
“I hope with this statutory inquiry... there is some sort of change.
"My dad was a great guy, very friendly, and outgoing... he had a heart of gold. Always willing to help someone else before he helped himself, and just a real big family man."
In James's commitment to driving change, he shared with us his desire to address broader issues such as knife crime and mental health services. He hopes the inquiry will advocate for reforms that make streets safer and improve how mental health issues are addressed by relevant agencies.