A police marksman expressed his regret for the distress caused to Chris Kaba’s family but maintains that the shooting was lawful, a court jury was informed. Metropolitan Police officer Martyn Blake stated that he was “truly sorry” for the profound distress experienced by the grieving family in a statement read at the Old Bailey. Blake, aged 40, is denying the murder of Mr. Kaba, 24, who was shot through the windscreen of an Audi during a police stop in Streatham, south London.
During the incident on September 5, 2022, moments before the shooting, Mr. Kaba had reportedly rammed a police car and reversed into another during a police stop with armed officers surrounding the SUV on foot. Police were pursuing the Audi following reports of gunshots in Brixton the night before. Blake described the tense situation with feelings of dread, noting the noise and armed police presence, as well as the driver’s perceived use of the car as a weapon.
Blake explained that he felt compelled to act to protect his colleagues from potential harm, as he believed the driver posed a significant risk. Despite acknowledging the family’s grief and the need for answers, Blake maintained that his actions were necessary and based on the imminent danger he perceived during the incident. The prosecution has challenged some aspects of Blake’s account, alleging falsehoods and exaggerations.
In his defence, Blake insisted that his actions were lawful and aimed at safeguarding his fellow officers’ lives. He emphasised his belief that incapacitating the driver was the only viable option in a critical moment to prevent a potential tragedy. The trial continues at the Old Bailey as the case unfolds, shedding light on the events leading to the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba.