Cop at Chris Kaba shooting says Martyn Blake 'should never have been put in that position'

Metropolitan Police firearms serviceman Martyn Blake was acquitted of execution by a assemblage astatine the Old Bailey - and 1 of his constabulary colleagues has slammed 'the state' for taking him to court

A firearms serviceman who was astatine the country of Chris Kaba’s decease has blamed "the state" for grooming Martyn Blake to bash "fearsome" enactment earlier dragging him to court.

Metropolitan Police firearms serviceman Martyn Blake was acquitted of execution by a assemblage astatine the Old Bailey yesterday aft astir 3 and a fractional hours of deliberation. Mr Blake, 40, stood proceedings aft shooting the 24-year-old done the beforehand windscreen of an Audi Q8 successful Streatham, southbound eastbound London, connected September 5 2022.

Mr Kaba's household said they are "devastated" and consciousness "the heavy symptom of injustice" aft the ruling. But a constabulary workfellow of Mr Blake believes the lawsuit should ne'er person gone to court.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the officer, who asked to stay anonymous, said: “I judge (it was incorrect to spell to court). I judge that astatine nary constituent was determination immoderate grounds that Martyn Blake had done thing incorrect oregon astatine slightest deviated from his grooming oregon so the law. Martyn is the astir professional, assiduous, diligent constabulary serviceman you volition travel crossed and helium should ne'er person been enactment successful this position. He was connected Kirkstall Gardens that nighttime connected behalf of the state.

He added: "The authorities enactment Martyn Blake determination that nighttime and the authorities trained him to bash the fearsome happening that helium had to bash and helium should ne'er person been named successful the media. That’s my idiosyncratic opinion.”

Kaba's household said they person been near with "the heavy symptom of injustice" aft Blake was cleared of execution pursuing the trial. The household said past night: "Today, we are devastated. The not blameworthy verdict leaves america with the heavy symptom of injustice adding to the unbearable sorrow we person felt since Chris was killed. No household should endure the unimaginable grief we person faced. Chris was stolen from us, and this determination shows his beingness — and galore others similar him — does not substance to the system. Our lad deserved better.

"The acquittal of Martyn Blake isn’t conscionable a nonaccomplishment for our family, but for each those affected by constabulary violence. Despite this verdict, we won’t beryllium silenced. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who stood by america and fought for justice. We volition proceed warring for Chris, for justice, and for existent change. Chris’ beingness mattered, and thing tin take-that distant from us." placards saying "Justice for Chris Kaba". Chants of "Say his sanction - Chris Kaba" and "No justness - nary peace" were heard extracurricular the Old Bailey connected Monday evening arsenic constabulary closed disconnected the roadworthy to postulation during a ample protest.