The Met officer who fatally shot Chris Kaba will no longer face disciplinary proceedings, the police watchdog has confirmed.
Martyn Blake shot the 24-year-old gang member in Streatham, south-east London, in 2022 after he tried to ram his way past police cars.
The officer was cleared of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey, with fellow police marksmen enraged that he had faced charges.
Decision on proceedings
Sgt Blake was still due to face misconduct proceedings but watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) paused the process while it waited for Government regulation changes to be published.
Earlier this month the IOPC said it believes the misconduct proceedings should not go ahead, and would consult with the Kaba family who would have the chance to argue there are exceptional circumstances which mean disciplinary proceedings should happen.
In a statement on Wednesday the IOPC confirmed proceedings would not go ahead.
IOPC statement
It said it had carefully considered the family’s representations and have decided there are no exceptional circumstances in this case that would justify changing from this position and therefore disciplinary proceedings will be withdrawn.
IOPC Director of Engagement Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s family and friends and everyone impacted by his death.
“We are acutely aware of the impact of proceedings for everyone involved in this case and have always sought to avoid any unnecessary delays, however it was right that we paused progressing disciplinary proceedings until the legislation change came into effect and its impact was clear.
“Having considered both our policy and the representations from the Kaba family and Sergeant Blake, we have today notified them of our decision to withdraw disciplinary proceedings.”
An IOPC spokesperson added: “We have also notified HM Coroner of this decision, who had paused consideration of whether to re-open the inquest while disciplinary matters remained outstanding.”
