Scotland Yard Marksman Cleared of Murder in Chris Kaba Shooting
A Scotland Yard officer has been acquitted of murder after fatally shooting 24-year-old Chris Kaba during a high-tension police chase in Streatham, South London. Sergeant Martyn Blake, 40, was cleared unanimously by a jury today at the Old Bailey following a three-week trial.
Deadly Chase and Court Drama
The court heard how armed police pursued an Audi Q8 linked to a gang-related shooting in Brixton the night before September 5, 2022. Chris Kaba was driving the car and tried to escape by reversing wildly, crashing into other vehicles as officers closed in. Sergeant Blake fired the fatal shot, claiming he feared for the safety of his colleagues in the chaotic moments.
Video from bodycams, released by the Crown Prosecution Service, showed officers shouting commands while Kaba revved the car to get away. A gunshot pierced the windscreen, followed by urgent calls for medics. Prosecutors argued Blake overestimated the danger. But Blake’s defence stressed the split-second, life-or-death nature of his decision to protect fellow officers.
Police Commissioner Defends Marksman Amid Backlash
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stood firmly behind Sgt Blake, saying: “No firearms officer sets out on duty intent on ending a life. Their sole purpose is the protection and preservation of life. The jury’s decision affirms that Sgt Blake acted on an honestly held belief in a split-second situation.”
Rowley acknowledged deep-seated tensions with the Black community and vowed to rebuild trust: “There remains much for us to do to strengthen confidence in our service.”
Kaba’s family expressed heartbreak and outrage at the verdict. “The not guilty verdict leaves us with the deep pain of injustice adding to the unbearable sorrow we have felt since Chris was killed. Our son deserved better,” they said.
The Justice for Chris Kaba campaign slammed the ruling as exposing systemic issues. Leaders Temi Mwale and Kayza Rose blasted: “This outcome reinforces the harsh reality that police can kill without consequence. No one can be safe while the police can kill with impunity.”
Fallout Continues: Protests, Policing Crisis, and Reviews
Despite the acquittal, the Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed a disciplinary hearing will decide if Sgt Blake faces further sanctions. Director Amanda Rowe said: “We respect the verdict but remain committed to ensuring accountability.”
The case sparked unrest among firearms officers. Hundreds staged a brief walkout after the prosecution was announced, forcing Scotland Yard to place the Army on standby. Recruitment for armed officers has plunged. Blake, who had never fired on a person before, now questions his future in armed policing — reflecting fears shared by many colleagues of a looming shortage of trained marksmen.
The Home Office has launched a review into armed police accountability amid rising tensions. Conservative MP Robert Jenrick criticised the prosecution, calling Blake a “hero” who acted to protect lives and warning that the case jeopardised public safety.
Ongoing Battle Over Police Use of Lethal Force
The Kaba case fuels a wider debate about police shootings and accountability. Fatal police shootings remain rare — just three last year in nearly 18,400 firearms operations across England and Wales — but officers face increasing scrutiny and pressure.
Campaigners vow to continue fighting for justice. Deborah Coles from INQUEST highlighted ongoing racial disparities: “Chris’ death is part of a systemic pattern where Black men are disproportionately killed by police. Real justice will only come when these deaths stop.”
The shooting has reignited protests and fierce discussions about police reform, racial justice, and how the Metropolitan Police can regain public trust while keeping communities safe.
