Martyn Blake Becomes Inspector After Murder Acquittal
- Martyn Blake was acquitted of murdering Chris Kaba after an incident where Kaba used his vehicle aggressively against police.
- The trial involved numerous testimonies from fellow officers supporting Blake's perception of a threat, leading to widespread protests among firearms officers.
- Blake's promotion to inspector indicates the Met Police's support for him, despite ongoing misconduct reviews.
Martyn Blake, an armed police officer, was recently promoted to inspector following his acquittal of the murder of gang member Chris Kaba in September 2022. Kaba, 24, was shot during an incident in Streatham, South London, where he attempted to escape police by ramming his vehicle towards them. Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Blake defended his actions by stating he believed he was protecting his colleagues. Despite being acquitted, Blake still faces an ongoing review from the Independent Office of Police Conduct regarding potential gross misconduct. The case has raised significant concerns around the accountability of firearms officers and has led to systemic protests among police forces in the country, who expressed solidarity with Blake during the trial. His promotion now moves him away from the firearms unit, a typical procedure for those advancing to higher ranks, amidst the controversies surrounding policing practices and officer conduct.