Chris Kaba murder trial cop is named
Judge lifts the ban on identifying marksman
THE police marksman accused of murdering Chris Kaba has been named for the first time.
Martyn Blake, 40, is said to have shot dead Mr Kaba, 24, in 2022 after firearms officers stopped the car he was driving.
Mr Kaba’s mum, Helen, sobbed as the officer entered the court at the Old Bailey and denied murdering her son.
Metropolitan police officer Blake was given anonymity at his first appearance in court last year because of an alleged risk to his life.
He can be named following a ruling by Judge Mark Lucraft, the Recorder of London, after an application from the media.
Blake’s photo and address can still not be published. He allegedly fired a single shot that went through the windscreen of the Audi and hit Mr Kaba in the head.
The three-week trial is due to start on October 2.
Rick Prior, Met Police Federation acting chair, said outside the court in Central London: “[We’re] hugely shocked and concerned over the decision to name the firearms officer.
“Our officers must have full confidence they have the protection needed to do this dangerous job. Being a firearms officer in London is one of the world’s toughest jobs.
“Officers know the accountability that comes with it.
“They need fairness when it comes to scrutiny.”
Deborah Coles, director of human rights charity INQUEST, said: “In any other murder trial, the accused would be publicly named. We welcome the decision.”
Blake has been granted bail on condition of residence, surrendering his passport and not applying for any international travel documents.
Mr Kaba’s dad, Prosper, and other family members were also in court.
Mr Kaba was due to become a father when he was killed in Streatham Hill, South London. An unmarked police car, which did not activate sirens or emergency lights, followed the Audi for about three miles.
Mr Kaba then turned into a narrow street where he was said to have collided with a marked police car that had been waiting for him.
The Audi, which did not belong to him, had been linked by officers to a firearms incident the previous day.
In any other murder trial, the accused would be named CHARITY WELCOMES THE JUDGE’S DECISION
We are hugely shocked & concerned over this decision
POLICE FEDERATION ON THE OFFICER BEING NAMED