Sergeant acquitted of murder after shooting gang-linked Chris Kaba
Sergeant Blake faces threats after acquittal for shooting Chris Kaba
Sergeant Martyn Blake, aged 40, was acquitted of murder on Monday afternoon. Following the lifting of reporting restrictions, it has been revealed that Chris Kaba, who was shot dead by Sgt Blake, had links to the Brixton Hill-based 67 gang.
At the time of his death in September 2022, Chris Kaba, 24, was facing allegations of shooting a rival in the legs at a nightclub just six days before the police stop. He would have stood trial for attempted murder had he survived.
Despite his acquittal, Sgt Blake has reportedly had to abandon his home due to a £10,000 bounty placed on his head by criminals seeking revenge for Kaba’s death. Mr Justice Goss has lifted a court order, allowing details of Kaba’s involvement in multiple shootings across London to be reported.
Was PC Martyn Blake justified in shooting Chris Kaba, or was it a misuse of power that resulted in the death of a young, upstanding member of society? pic.twitter.com/iUAG0AG4yk
— Mark Hebblewhite (@studio1st) October 22, 2024
During a pre-trial hearing, it was revealed that associates of the 67 gang were planning to kill a police officer in retaliation for Kaba’s death. Intelligence reports received by the Met highlighted the danger to the officer, who was initially known only as NX121. One report indicated that the gang was seeking information on NX121’s identity, offering a large sum of money for personal details.
Another intelligence report mentioned the £10,000 bounty in exchange for NX121’s personal information, including addresses and vehicle registration marks. Both NX121 and his family were threatened. Police assessed that the risk of consequences following the officer’s identification was very high.
Sgt Blake is reportedly in a state of constant fear, worried that Kaba’s associates might harm his loved ones. To protect him, the judge extended a ban on publishing his address, photos, or any description of his appearance. Policing leaders and MPs have called for changes in the law regarding the accountability of marksmen.
'We will continue to fight until our last breath'
The family of Chris Kaba, who was shot dead by police in south London, made this statement after firearms officer Martyn Blake was cleared of his murderhttps://t.co/HRhv4Ewlmn pic.twitter.com/XpzNKwamaH
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) October 22, 2024
Amid growing outrage about his trial, the police watchdog has faced calls to drop disciplinary proceedings that could lead to Sgt Blake’s dismissal. Scotland Yard remains hopeful that he might one day return to the force, describing his role as “the best job.”
The fatal incident occurred on September 5, 2022, when armed police began tailing Kaba’s vehicle in Streatham, south London. The Audi Q8 had been used as a getaway car in a gang-related attack the previous night. Police boxed in the vehicle, and Kaba used it as a “battering ram,” nearly dragging the ten surrounding officers under the wheels. Sgt Blake then fired a single fatal shot through the windscreen.
Initially, a judge had restricted reporting on Kaba’s background because Sgt Blake was unaware of the driver’s identity. However, on Monday, Scotland Yard successfully urged Mr Justice Goss to lift the restrictions, fearing potential violence following Sgt Blake’s acquittal. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy warned that the public could be left with a misleading impression, posing a risk of disorder.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Sky News reports a colleague of Martyn Blake, who shot Chris Kaba, believes public safety is compromised due to the prosecution, emphasizing the impact on officers and potential hesitation in high-pressure situations.(read more)
- The Sun reports on the secret deployment of hundreds of soldiers to London due to fears of a mass police walkout if their colleague, Martyn Blake, was convicted, highlighting the strain on policing morale and operations.(read more)
- LBC reports on the acquittal of Met Police marksman Martyn Blake in the Chris Kaba shooting case, highlighting police and public reactions, and ongoing protests seeking justice for Kaba and his family.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Sergeant Martyn Blake?
Sergeant Martyn Blake is a 40-year-old police officer who was acquitted of murder.
Who was Chris Kaba?
Chris Kaba was a 24-year-old with links to the 67 gang, shot dead by Sgt Blake.
Why did Sgt Blake have to abandon his home?
Sgt Blake had to abandon his home due to a £10,000 bounty placed on his head.
What led to the lifting of reporting restrictions on Chris Kaba’s background?
Mr Justice Goss lifted the restrictions to prevent potential violence following Sgt Blake’s acquittal.
What was the outcome of Sgt Blake’s trial?
Sgt Blake was acquitted of murder.
