The police marksman who shot violent gangster Chris Kaba will not face misconduct proceedings, it has been confirmed.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said officer Martyn Blake – known by his cipher NX121 – will not be subject to a disciplinary probe, nearly four years after he shot 24-year-old Kaba in the head.
The shooting occurred after armed police tailed the vehicle Kaba was driving as it had been used as a getaway car in a gang-related shooting the night before in Brixton, south London, in September 2022.
When police boxed in the vehicle in nearby Streatham, Kaba revved back and forth, almost dragging the ten officers surrounding him under the wheels before Mr Blake shot him.
The officer was cleared of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey, with fellow police marksmen turning in their own weapons after being enraged that he had faced charges.
The police watchdog initially said Mr Blake should face a gross misconduct hearing.
But it later paused the process while it waited for the Government to change regulations over the use of force.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: ‘Today’s decision finally brings to an end almost four years of uncertainty for NX121, his family and the wider firearms command, with all the considerable worry and stress that has brought.
‘Since NX121’s unanimous acquittal by an Old Bailey jury, and in the absence of any evidence that he failed in his duties, we have been clear and consistent in our view that he should not face a misconduct hearing.’
Gangsters put a £10,000 bounty on Mr Blake’s head following the incident.
Chris Kaba was shot and killed by a police officer in 2022
Kaba’s vehicle was hemmed in by marked and unmarked police cars during the incident
The footage shows armed officers running towards Mr Kaba’s car which was hemmed in
Sir Mark launched a passionate defence of officers’ actions, and said the IOPC decision ‘must be a milestone moment to reset a police accountability system that is out of balance’.
He said: ‘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.
‘As I have said before, the more we crush the spirit of good officers, the less they can fight crime. That risks London becoming less safe.
‘If your job is confronting dangerous and sometimes murderous criminals on behalf of communities, of course timely accountability for use of force is essential.
‘But your life being on hold for four years or more as you go through multiple accountability processes is a disgraceful way to treat brave men and women. I also see the profound effect these cases routinely have on officers’ families.
‘NX121’s case is a high-profile example of something that is all too common for front-line officers.
‘The consequence is that while officers’ physical bravery knows no bounds, too often they are hesitant because of the multiple legal jeopardies they face.
‘Criminals are held to account once by the courts – officers can be held to account four times through criminal, misconduct, civil and inquest processes that span years. That cannot be right.’
Paula Dodds, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: ‘This is very much the right decision that will not only be welcomed by the officer and his family – but all police officers across London.
‘It is imperative that there are policies in place for operational policing which support lawful decisions made by officers, based on their training, so that they should not be placed in fear of the loss of their liberty and livelihood.
‘Police officers are of course – and rightly – highly accountable for their actions. But the officer has sadly suffered years of legal scrutiny following this incident.
‘We are pleased this has all now concluded and that the officer can continue to serve the public without this hanging over him.
The IOPC said it has decided ‘there are no exceptional circumstances in this case that would justify changing from this position and therefore disciplinary proceedings will be withdrawn’.
IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s family and friends and everyone impacted by his death.
‘We are acutely aware of the impact of proceedings for everyone involved in this case and have always sought to avoid any unnecessary delays, however it was right that we paused progressing disciplinary proceedings until the legislation change came into effect and its impact was clear.
‘Having considered both our policy and the representations from the Kaba family and Sergeant Blake, we have today notified them of our decision to withdraw disciplinary proceedings.’
The IOPC said it had notified the coroner of its decision, after they had paused consideration of whether to re-open the inquest while disciplinary matters remained outstanding.
