IOPC drops misconduct case against officer who shot Chris Kaba

The watchdog confirmed that disciplinary proceedings against Sergeant Martyn Blake had been withdrawn after legislation introduced on 30 June changed the legal test applied in police misconduct cases involving the use of force from the civil law test to the criminal law test.

The IOPC said it had reviewed its previous decision, considered representations from Mr Kaba’s family, Sergeant Blake and the Metropolitan Police, and concluded there were no exceptional circumstances to justify continuing the proceedings.

IOPC Director of Engagement Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s family and friends and everyone impacted by his death.”

She added that the watchdog had paused disciplinary proceedings until the legislative changes came into force and had now decided to withdraw them after considering its revised policy and representations from those involved.

MPS Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley welcomed the decision, saying it brought to an end “almost four years of uncertainty” for the officer, his family and colleagues, while recognising “the profound impact on Chris Kaba’s family, who continue to grieve their loss”.

Sir Mark repeated his criticism of the police accountability system, arguing that officers can face criminal, misconduct, civil and inquest proceedings over several years for a single incident. He said the decision should mark “a milestone moment to reset a police accountability system that is out of balance” and called for wider reforms to make the system “fairer, faster, proportionate and more effective”.

Sergeant Blake was unanimously acquitted of murder by an Old Bailey jury last year following the fatal shooting of Mr Kaba in south London in September 2022. The IOPC had previously directed that he should face gross misconduct proceedings before pausing the process pending the change in the law.