‘Hard-working family man’ injured in Nottingham van and knife rampage breaks his silence after release from hospital
A SURVIVOR of the Nottingham van and knife rampage has broken his silence after being released from hospital.
Marcin Gawronski was left with wounds to his head and leg during the attack which left students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65, dead.
Valdo Calocane, 31, has been charged with their murders.
He is accused of stabbing the trio, before stealing Mr Coates’ van and using it to drive into a crowd of pedestrians, injuring three, in the early hours of Tuesday.
Mr Gawronski was one of the injured. Speaking to MailOnline today he told of his shock.
The dad said: “I was hit by the van, but I can’t say anything, the police have told me not to do. I’m feeling ok now, I was released from hospital on Wednesday.”
A pal explained that he had been up early for work when the attack occurred.
They explained: “It’s awful what happened. He had a bump to his head and he’s suffered injuries to his leg and arm and he’s walking with a limp but to be honest he could have been more seriously wounded or even killed.
“We’re pleased to see him home with his wife and daughter. He was in hospital for 24-hours and released on Wednesday.”
Sharon Miller was also injured in the horror incident.
Her husband Martin said: “Sharon is really lucky to be alive. I just want to thank the paramedics and the police for all they’ve done.
“At the moment she is too traumatised to talk about what happened.”
Ms Miller is still in hospital along with Wayne Birkett, 58.
It comes as Calocane appeared in court for the first time yesterday.
Calocane spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and said he was of no fixed address as he stood in the glass-backed dock flanked by three security guards.
The defendant — wearing grey, prison-issue T-shirt, grey joggers and black pumps — glanced nervously towards the public gallery — where half a dozen people were watching the proceedings.
No known family members of the victims attended.
No application for bail was made to Nottingham JPs and he was not required to enter any pleas.
He will appear at the city’s crown court on Tuesday.