Metropolitan Police officer Martyn Blake, 40, has been acquitted of the murder of Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old who was fatally shot during a police stop in Streatham, south-east London, on September 5, 2022. The jury at the Old Bailey, consisting of nine men and three women, delivered the not guilty verdict after approximately four hours of deliberation. Blake, previously known as NX121, fired a single shot through the windscreen of Kaba's car during a 'hard stop,' believing that his life and the lives of his colleagues were in danger. The Crown Prosecution Service defended its decision to prosecute, stating it was right to present the case to the jury for scrutiny. Despite being cleared of the criminal charge, Blake may still face a gross misconduct hearing which could result in his dismissal from the force. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) acknowledged that the trial has been 'difficult and distressing' for Kaba's family. Bodycam footage of the incident has been released by the Metropolitan Police.
