Met Firearms Officer Acquitted of Chris Kaba Murder
Met Police marksman Martyn Blake, 40, has been cleared of murdering Chris Kaba, 24. The dramatic Old Bailey verdict came after just three hours of jury deliberation on Monday. Kaba was shot through his Audi’s windscreen during a police “hard stop” in September 2022.
Visibly emotional, Blake breathed a sigh of relief and turned away as the not guilty verdict was announced. Meanwhile, Kaba’s family sat in stunned silence, showing no immediate reaction.
Prosecution Stands by Decision to Charge
The Crown Prosecution Service defended charging Blake despite the acquittal. Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said:
“Our thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s family. This has been a complex and sensitive case. We respect the jury’s decision and stand by our decision to bring this to trial after thorough review of the evidence.”
What Happened on the Night?
Court heard Kaba’s car was linked to a getaway from a shooting the previous night. Police identified the car by its number plate in Kirkstall Gardens and attempted to stop it. Video footage showed Kaba trying to ram police vehicles as he desperately tried to escape during the chase.
Blake said he believed a colleague was in imminent danger when he fired the fatal shot. Other officers testified they too felt threatened and were ready to shoot.
Prosecutors argued Blake overestimated the threat and that he deliberately aimed at Kaba’s head — claims Blake denied.
Defence Argues Split-Second Decision
Blake’s barrister described him as a dedicated officer caught in a high-pressure moment. Patrick Gibbs KC told the jury:
“He is not a robot, but a human being doing his best under intense pressure.”
Colleagues backed Blake’s character, noting he’d never fired at a person before.
Now the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will consider whether disciplinary action is needed.
Aftermath: Unrest and Debate
Kaba’s death sparked protests across London, shining a spotlight on police use of lethal force. The ongoing IOPC investigation will scrutinise police protocols and accountability.
The case has reignited debate within the Met Police about the pressures on firearms officers. The initial murder charge led to a brief walkout by officers concerned about their future roles.
In England and Wales, there were 18,395 firearms operations in the year to March 2023. Shots were fired in just 10 incidents, with three fatalities.
As the investigation continues, questions remain over how police balance public safety with protecting officers operating under extreme stress.
