uknip247 
A Metropolitan Police firearms officer, identified as Martyn Blake, has entered a plea of not guilty to the murder of Chris Kaba. The 24-year-old Mr. Kaba tragically lost his life from a single gunshot wound during a Metropolitan Police operation in Streatham, south London, in September 2022.
Martyn Blake, 40, formerly known by the codename NX121 due to threats against him, appeared at the Old Bailey where he confirmed his identity, and date of birth, and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
The decision to lift the anonymity order, which previously shielded Mr Blake’s identity, was made by Judge Mark Lucraft after media organizations, including the BBC, challenged the legal application to protect his identity. This decision was based on the principle that public confidence in the criminal justice system necessitates transparency and openness in legal proceedings.
The trial for Mr. Blake is scheduled to commence in October, marking a significant development in this high-profile case.
Chris Kaba was driving in Streatham on the fateful night of September 5, 2022, when police stopped him in two vehicles. Tragically, in the ensuing moments, Mr. Kaba sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head through the car windscreen, leading to his untimely death in the early hours of the following day.
In his judgment regarding the naming of Mr. Blake, Justice Lucraft acknowledged the emergence of significant information pertaining to threats to the officer’s safety in the aftermath of the shooting.
The case has drawn widespread attention, and as proceedings progress, the pursuit of justice for Chris Kaba remains paramount.
The trial is expected to shed further light on this tragic incident’s circumstances and provide closure to the Kaba family and the wider community affected by the loss.
Rick Prior, Acting Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “The Metropolitan Police Federation and the colleagues we represent are hugely shocked, saddened and concerned over the decision to name the firearms officer involved in this incident.
“We still await the results of the Home Office’s “accountability review” into operational policing but it goes without saying that our police officers must have full confidence that they have the protection needed to do this difficult and dangerous job society expects of them.
“Being a firearms officer in London is one of the world’s toughest jobs. Officers, who volunteer for the role, know the responsibility and accountability that comes with it. It is a job like no other and they need fairness when it comes to scrutiny.
“As a Federation, we can reassure our members that we continue to support the officer and his family at this difficult time; and will work to mitigate any risks this decision from the courts might bring.
“We also continue to provide support to those brave colleagues who willingly undertake this challenging firearms role every day to keep Londoners safe.”
