Met Officer Blake Cleared of Chris Kaba's Murder at Old Bailey

Oct 21, 2024, 03:19 PM

Metropolitan Police firearms officer Martyn Blake, 40, previously known as NX121, has been cleared of the murder of Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old man who was fatally shot through his car windscreen during a "hard stop" in Streatham, south-east London, on September 5, 2022. The verdict was delivered at the Old Bailey after a jury of nine men and three women deliberated for around four hours. The Crown Prosecution Service defended its decision to prosecute Blake, stating that it was appropriate for the case to be scrutinized by a jury. Despite the acquittal, Blake may still face a gross misconduct hearing, which could result in his dismissal from the force.