Met Sergeant Acquitted of Chris Kaba Murder at Old Bailey
Met firearms officer Sergeant Martyn Blake, 40, has been cleared of murder in the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba in Lambeth, September 2022. After a tense two-week trial, the Old Bailey jury delivered a unanimous not guilty verdict on Monday, October 21.
Met Police Chief Stands by Officer
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley hailed the verdict as a win for the British jury system and expressed full support for Sgt Blake. “The jury system is the cornerstone of British justice,” he said. “After two years of scrutiny, 12 jurors have cleared Sgt Martyn Blake of murder.”
“Sgt Blake has paid a huge personal and professional sacrifice. He has acted with professionalism and dignity throughout.”
Rowley also acknowledged the continued grief of Chris Kaba’s family and friends, calling it a difficult moment for them.
How the Shooting Unfolded
The commissioner described the moment Sgt Blake fired as a split-second decision. Kaba had been attempting to evade police, ramming vehicles in the process. The car was linked to a prior shooting and no weapon had been recovered.
“Sgt Blake believed his use of force was necessary to protect colleagues and London. The jury agreed his actions were reasonable and honestly held.”
Community Trust and Police Accountability
Sir Mark Rowley addressed the strain the case placed on relations between police and Black communities. “Any fatal use of force understandably prompts huge concern, especially where trust is already low. There is much work to do to rebuild that confidence.”
He also warned about the impact on armed officers, saying:
“No officer is above the law, but the system holding police to account is broken. Crushing the spirit of good officers risks making London less safe.”
Last year, firearms officers responded to over 4,000 incidents and seized more than 400 guns, marking them among the most professional and cautious in the world.
Sgt Blake Returns to Duty
With the trial over and acquittal secured, Sgt Blake’s suspension has been lifted. He is set to return to frontline policing after a turbulent period.
