Met Firearms Officer Martyn Blake’s Murder Trial of Chris Kaba Starts Today
The high-profile trial of Metropolitan Police firearms officer Martyn Blake kicks off today at the Old Bailey. Blake faces murder charges over the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba, 24, who was shot dead in Streatham, South London, on September 5, 2022.
The trial begins at 10:30 a.m. on October 2, 2024, and is expected to last three weeks. The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charges against Blake on September 20, 2023, after lifting an anonymity order earlier this year. Blake, now 40, is the officer accused in this landmark case.
Chris Kaba’s Death Sparks National Outcry
Chris Kaba’s death sent shockwaves across London, sparking calls for justice and police accountability. The case has attracted huge public attention, including support from figures like rapper Stormzy, who appeared at marches demanding justice.
This is only the fourth murder or manslaughter charge involving police shootings in the UK, and the second against a Metropolitan Police officer since 2005. It follows a long history of police shootings with very few officers prosecuted or convicted.
Police Accountability in the Spotlight
- Since 1990, there have been 1,904 deaths recorded in police custody or following police contact, according to INQUEST.
- Only one officer has been found guilty of manslaughter related to these deaths—PC Benjamin Monk, who was jailed for eight years for the killing of former footballer Dalian Atkinson in 2016.
- Twelve prosecutions for murder or manslaughter of on-duty officers have been brought since 1990, including the current case against Martyn Blake.
The trial comes amid intense debate over police use of force and calls for greater transparency and justice. Since 1990, 83 people have been fatally shot by police in England and Wales, yet no murder convictions of officers have ever been secured in such cases.
Historic Trials and Rare Convictions
Previous high-profile police shooting cases, such as the deaths of Azelle Rodney (2005), James Ashley (1998), and David Ewin (1995), resulted in acquittals of officers involved. The Rodney case officer was acquitted in 2015, keeping the record of no murder convictions intact.
Martyn Blake’s trial marks a crucial moment for police accountability in the UK and will be closely watched by activists, the public, and law enforcement alike.
