In a dramatic legal turnaround, the Crown Prosecution Service has abandoned its prosecution of a Metropolitan Police marksman involved in the fatal shooting of Jermaine Baker eight years ago.
The case collapse comes after fresh evidence emerged that fundamentally altered the prosecution's position, forcing lawyers to conclude there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
A Fateful Morning in Wood Green
The incident dates back to December 2015, when police intercepted a plot to spring two prisoners from a van near Wood Green Crown Court. Jermaine Baker, 28, was among a group of men waiting in a stolen Audi near the courthouse.
During the armed police operation, Officer W80 fired the single shot that killed Mr Baker. The marksman consistently maintained he acted in self-defence, believing Mr Baker was reaching for a firearm.
Legal Battles and Public Scrutiny
This prosecution marks the second time Officer W80 has faced legal proceedings over the shooting. The case has been mired in controversy from the beginning, raising difficult questions about police use of force and accountability.
The Metropolitan Police Federation had fiercely defended the officer's actions, arguing he made a split-second decision in a high-risk situation where he genuinely feared for his life and those of his colleagues.
Why the Case Collapsed
While the CPS has not disclosed the specific nature of the new evidence, sources indicate it significantly undermined the prosecution's ability to prove the officer did not honestly hold the belief that he was in imminent danger.
A CPS spokesperson stated: "After careful consideration of this new evidence, we concluded there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and that continuing with the prosecution would no longer be in the public interest."
Broader Implications for Policing
This development comes amid ongoing national debates about police powers and the legal framework governing armed operations. The case has been closely watched by police federations and accountability campaigners alike.
For Jermaine Baker's family, the decision represents another painful chapter in their long quest for answers, while for police marksmen across the country, it raises important questions about the legal risks they face when making life-or-death decisions.
