A jury at the Old Bailey has unanimously acquitted Met firearms officer Sergeant Martyn Blake, 40, of murder following the police shooting of Chris Kaba in Lambeth in September 2022. The trial concluded on Monday, October 21, and the verdict has sparked reactions from across the police force and the community.

Commissioner’s Statement

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley responded to the verdict, underscoring the importance of the jury system in the British justice system. He stated:

“The jury system is the cornerstone of British justice, and today, after two weeks of evidence, 12 men and women have cleared Sgt Martyn Blake of murder.

“Over the past two years, Sgt Blake has paid a huge personal and professional sacrifice. This has been an incredibly difficult time for him and his family, and he has acted with professionalism and dignity throughout.”

Commissioner Rowley acknowledged the pain and grief experienced by Chris Kaba’s family and friends, recognizing that the outcome would be a challenging moment for them as they continue to mourn.

Incident Details

Sir Mark outlined the circumstances that led to the shooting, explaining that Sgt Blake made a split-second decision based on the situation he faced. “The court heard that Mr Kaba tried to evade police, ramming his vehicle into others around him. Sgt Blake made a split-second decision on what he believed was necessary to protect his colleagues and to protect London. The jury decided that was an honestly held belief, and the force used was reasonable.”

He highlighted that the car Kaba was driving had been linked to a reported shooting the night before, and no firearm had yet been recovered. Officers were intervening not knowing the risks they might encounter.

Acknowledging Community Concerns

Commissioner Rowley also addressed the wider impact the case has had, particularly on trust within Black communities. “Any fatal use of force understandably prompts huge concern among communities, particularly in Black communities where trust in policing is low. There remains much for us to do to strengthen confidence in our service, and we know incidents like this place further strain on already challenged relationships.”

Support for Armed Officers

Expressing his unwavering support for officers, Rowley stated: “No police officer is above the law, but we have been clear the system holding police to account is broken. I worry about the lack of support officers face for doing their best, but most of all I worry for the public. The more we crush the spirit of good officers, the less they can fight crime. That risks London becoming less safe.”

He added that armed officers respond to over 4,000 incidents annually, with only a handful involving the discharge of firearms. “It is undeniable that they are the most professional, most accountable, and most cautious in their use of lethal force in the world. Their operations have prevented countless acts of violence across our city. Last year alone, they removed more than 400 guns from our streets.”

The Commissioner emphasized his pride in the officers who continue to protect London despite the risks they face.

Sgt Blake’s Status

Sgt Blake had been suspended during the period leading up to the trial, but with the verdict reached, his suspension has now been lifted, and he will return to duty.