A third day of the trial of Met Police marksman Martyn Blake, who stands accused of the murder of 24-year-old Chris Kaba, continues at the Old Bailey today (Friday, October 4). Blake, 40, shot Kaba in the head as he sat in the driver’s seat of an Audi during a police stop in Streatham, South London, on September 5, 2022.
Prosecution Completes Opening Statements
On Thursday, jurors were shown body-worn footage from Blake for the first time, capturing the crucial moments of the shooting. Prosecutor Tom Little concluded his opening arguments, accusing Blake of being “angry, frustrated, and annoyed” at the time he fired the fatal shot. Little claimed that parts of Blake’s statements following the incident were “false” and “exaggerated.
Blake’s Defence Hits Back at Prosecution
Blake’s defence counsel, Patrick Gibbs KC, presented his opening statement, responding to the criticisms levelled against Blake by the prosecution. Gibbs urged jurors to focus on two key questions: “What did Mr Blake instantly believe at that moment?” and “Were his actions reasonable under the circumstances as he believed them?” He stressed that the case was not about whether Blake was “right or wrong” but about his perception of an imminent threat.
Witness Testimonies Describe Blake as ‘Calm and Collected’
The court also heard from two prosecution witnesses on Thursday. The first, identified as HA62, who was the Tactical Firearms Commander on the night of the incident, described Blake as “calm and collected” and stated that he had never witnessed Blake in an “angry, frustrated, or annoyed” state.
The second witness, known as AC38, served as a Tactical Firearms Advisor on the night. AC38 testified that it would have been “hugely wrong” not to initiate the stop of Kaba’s vehicle due to its suspected involvement in a shooting incident in Brixton the previous night. The vehicle’s registration was linked to reports of gunshots, prompting the police convoy to follow the Audi before attempting an enforced stop in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham.
Body-Worn Footage and Key Moments
The body-worn footage revealed the sequence of events as Blake, alongside other officers, moved in to stop the Audi. Blake has since stated that he acted because he feared a significant threat to himself and his fellow officers. He claimed that Chris Kaba attempted to drive forward and reverse into a police car, endangering the lives of officers on foot.
After the failed attempts by Kaba to flee, Blake moved to the front of the vehicle and fired one shot through the windscreen, striking Kaba in the head. Blake argued that he made the decision to incapacitate Kaba due to what he believed was an imminent risk to the officers’ lives.
Prosecutor Questions Justification for Use of Lethal Force
During Thursday’s session, Prosecutor Tom Little questioned whether Blake’s actions were justifiable. He suggested to the jurors that some parts of Blake’s account may have been exaggerated to justify the use of lethal force. He argued that the claim that Kaba posed a clear threat was not supported by the evidence and that Blake’s decision to shoot was not based on a reasonable assessment of the situation.
Jurors to Hear From Additional Witnesses Today
The trial is expected to hear from additional witnesses as the prosecution continues to build its case against Blake. The focus remains on whether Blake’s belief of an imminent threat was reasonable and whether his use of deadly force was proportionate.
Background of the Incident
Chris Kaba was shot dead after a police convoy, including Blake, followed his Audi due to its suspected connection to a shooting incident in Brixton the night before. The police vehicle used in the pursuit was unmarked and did not have lights or sirens activated, according to reports.
Live Updates and Continuing Coverage
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Stay with us for live updates throughout the day as the trial progresses at the Old Bailey. The case has drawn considerable public attention, with questions surrounding police conduct and the use of lethal force in high-pressure situations.
The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Goss, continues.
