The Metropolitan Police officer involved in the shooting death of Chris Kaba is anticipated to learn by the end of July whether he will face gross misconduct proceedings.
Kaba, aged 24, was fatally shot in Streatham, southeast London, in September 2022 while attempting to evade police by ramming his Audi into their vehicles that had surrounded him.
Sgt. Martyn Blake was acquitted of murder following a trial but is now awaiting a determination on whether he will undergo a disciplinary hearing. A representative from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) informed an inquest hearing that a decision regarding the case is likely to be reached by July 31.
Police pursued Kaba’s vehicle due to its connection to three prior firearms incidents within a five-month timeframe. At the time of the pursuit, officers were unaware of Kaba’s identity, which later revealed him to be associated with one of London’s most notorious street gangs, with allegations of his involvement in two shootings just a week prior to his death.
Inquest and Family’s Advocacy
Senior Coroner Dr. Julian Morris is also expected to decide in the upcoming months whether a full inquest into Kaba’s death will be conducted, as stated in Southwark Coroner’s Court.
Matthew Ryder KC, representing Kaba’s family, expressed that they are „extremely keen“ for the proceedings to advance.
„There are very powerful reasons why this inquest should be resumed, and if it is resumed it should be as soon as possible,“
Ryder stated in court.
Legal Reforms and Future Proceedings
In the wake of Blake’s acquittal, former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper pledged to align the legal standards used by prosecutors for police officers‘ use of force with those applicable to civilians. She indicated that the criteria employed by the IOPC to determine whether to initiate misconduct proceedings would also be elevated to match criminal law standards.
Disciplinary actions against Blake have been suspended pending any legal adjustments. The court was informed that the Home Office aims to finalize the language of these legal amendments by June.
- Chris Kaba was shot in September 2022.
- Sgt. Martyn Blake was acquitted of murder.
- The IOPC is expected to decide on misconduct proceedings by July 31.
- Kaba’s vehicle was linked to multiple firearms incidents.
- Family advocates for a prompt inquest into Kaba’s death.
Quellen: bbc.co.uk
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