A police officer, Martyn Blake, has been acquitted of murdering unarmed driver Chris Kaba in a police shooting. The jury found him not guilty after a three-week trial at London’s Old Bailey. The officer shot the 24-year-old in the forehead through the windscreen of an Audi Q8 in Streatham, south London, during a police stop on September 5, 2022.
The prosecution argued that the officer did not need to fire his gun after armed police had boxed in the driver and claimed that his initial account of the shooting was false and exaggerated. However, Mr. Blake maintained that he feared for his life and his fellow officer’s safety after Mr. Kaba had attempted to escape by ramming his way out.
Following the court hearing, Mr. Kaba’s family expressed their devastation at the verdict, stating that their son deserved better. The acquittal reignited the debate over police accountability, with differing opinions from public figures and officials.
During the trial, it was revealed that the Audi driven by Mr. Kaba had been used as a getaway vehicle in a shooting the night before. The officer, Mr. Blake, was accused of misjudging the risk to his colleagues and aiming for Mr. Kaba’s head when taking the fatal shot. Dramatic body-worn camera footage was shown to the jury, depicting the 15-second incident.
Despite the outcome of the trial, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will consider whether Mr. Blake should face a disciplinary hearing. The decision to charge the officer with murder had previously caused backlash from armed police, who raised concerns about the level of scrutiny they may face when using fatal force.
Since 2004, only one other officer has been charged with murder following a fatal police shooting, highlighting the rarity of such cases. The Home Secretary emphasized the importance of respecting the jury’s decision and providing space for all parties involved to process the verdict.
The CPS defended its decision to charge the officer, stating that the case was put before the jury to meet the test for prosecution. The IOPC emphasized the significance of the trial and its impact on the community, particularly within black communities.
Overall, the verdict in the case of Martyn Blake has sparked discussions about police accountability, the use of force, and the challenges faced by officers in high-pressure situations. The outcome of this trial will likely have lasting implications for police procedures and public trust in law enforcement.
