The police marksman who shot Chris Kaba dead now faces a lifetime under threat. Martyn Blake was this week cleared of murdering the 24-year-old during a police stop two years ago.
But the 40-year-old has had to flee his home after criminals put a £10,000 bounty on his head in revenge for the shooting.
Yesterday details of Kaba’s criminal past were laid bare as it emerged he was one of London‘s most feared gangsters with a history of violence.
Insiders say Sergeant Blake is now ‘living in a nightmare’, fearing that Kaba’s associates will kill those he loves.
To protect the firearms officer, a judge yesterday extended a ban on the publication of his address, photos or even a description of what he looks like. Policing leaders and MPs also called for a change in the law to change the way marksmen are held to account.
The police marksman who shot Chris Kaba dead now faces a lifetime under threat. Martyn Blake was this week cleared of murdering the 24-year-old during a police stop two years ago
Footage of the moment armed officers ran towards Mr Kaba’s car which was hemmed in. He tried to drive away
As fury grew about his trial, the police watchdog faced pressure to drop disciplinary proceedings which could result in Sgt Blake’s dismissal.
But, in a ray of hope, Scotland Yard said it was optimistic he could some day return to the force doing what he once described as ‘the best job’.
The fatal shooting on September 5, 2022, came after armed police started tailing Kaba’s vehicle because the Audi Q8 had been used as a getaway car in a gang-related attack the night before.
When police boxed in the vehicle in Streatham, south London, Kaba used the car as a ‘battering ram’. Revving back and forth, he almost dragged the ten officers surrounding him under the wheels before Sgt Blake fired a single fatal shot through the windscreen.
A judge had imposed reporting restrictions on Kaba’s background because Sgt Blake did not know who was behind the wheel.
But yesterday it emerged that Scotland Yard had pleaded with Mr Justice Goss to remove them, fearing an outbreak of violence when Sgt Blake was acquitted. In a rare move, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy warned the public would be left with ‘a misleading impression’ with ‘clear potential for emotions tipping into disorder’.
But the judge decided to extend the order following the conclusion of the case on Monday after Kaba’s family made a last-minute application seeking to prevent any disclosure of his gangland activities until an inquest, which may still be years away, is held.
A judge had imposed reporting restrictions on Kaba’s background because Sgt Blake did not know who was behind the wheel
A banner was held that said ‘We Keep Each Other Safe’, as well as placards saying ‘Justice for Chris Kaba’, and chants of ‘Say his name – Chris Kaba’ and ‘No justice – no peace’ were heard outside the court
Just hours later the Old Bailey had to close early as a 200-strong crowd of protesters gathered, hurling accusations of racism and corruption at police.
Mr Justice Goss then lifted the order, allowing the media to report Kaba’s involvement in multiple shootings across the capital as part of the feared 67 Gang.
It emerged in a pre-trial hearing that those linked to the gang were ‘seeking to kill a police officer in retribution for Kaba’s death’.
Three intelligence reports received by the Met warned of a danger to the officer, who at that time was still known as NX121. One said: ’67 Gang seeking information on the identity of NX121 with a view to harming him or his family. A large sum of money was being offered.’
Another report said: ‘The sum of money on offer was £10,000… in exchange for personal details of NX121 [including] addresses and vehicle registration marks.
The threat of harm was directed at both NX121 and his family.’ Police concluded that ‘the likelihood of consequences following the identification of the officer is very high.’
Superintendent Ross McKibbin said: ‘In nearly 30 years of service, I have never been more concerned about the welfare of an officer or the likelihood of them or their family coming to serious harm as I am about NX121.’
Superintendent Ross McKibbin said: ‘In nearly 30 years of service, I have never been more concerned about the welfare of an officer or the likelihood of them or their family coming to serious harm’
Chris Kaba CCTV footage captures his shooting attack on rival in London nightclub. Brandon Malutshi was shot twice in the leg with a revolver as Kaba, 24, opened fire on the dancefloor
Just hours later the Old Bailey had to close early as a 200-strong crowd of protesters gathered, hurling accusations of racism and corruption at police
Last night it emerged that the National Police Chiefs’ Council had asked the Government to make it harder to find officers guilty of unlawful killing at inquests. It has also requested the right for the accused to remain anonymous until conviction if charged with an offence committed on duty.
Sgt Blake now faces the prospect of a disciplinary hearing by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), despite being acquitted by jurors.
Yesterday former Met commissioner Lord Hogan-Howe called for the legal system to change, saying: ‘It does seem as though the system doesn’t give [officers] the benefit of doubt that was given by the jury in this case.
‘I do wonder if ministers will consider how the legal system can give the benefit of the doubt to these brave men and women who, on our behalf, in a matter of a fraction of a second have to make the most awful decision.’
Conservative leadership contender Robert Jenrick also called on the IOPC to ‘end this saga now’.