Justice Delayed or Denied? Kaba Family “Devastated” as Misconduct Case Against Officer Blake Paused

2. Brainx Perspective

At Brainx, we believe this suspension of proceedings represents a critical intersection of public accountability and police protection. The decision to pause gross misconduct charges against Sgt. Martyn Blake pending new legislation highlights a systemic shift in how the UK evaluates lethal force. It raises uncomfortable questions: is the legal goalpost moving to protect officers, and at what cost to public trust?

3. The News

The family of Chris Kaba has expressed profound devastation following a controversial decision by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to pause gross misconduct proceedings against Metropolitan Police Sergeant Martyn Blake. Blake, who fatally shot Kaba in September 2022, was acquitted of murder in a criminal trial last year, but was expected to face internal disciplinary action.

The Core Developments:

• The Pause: The IOPC announced it will delay issuing gross misconduct papers against Sgt. Blake. This decision is directly linked to an anticipated change in UK law expected this spring, which will alter the legal tests used to charge officers regarding the use of force.
• The Incident: In September 2022, Chris Kaba was shot dead in Streatham, south-east London. Police had boxed in his vehicle, which was linked to a previous shooting. Blake fired after Kaba attempted to ram his way out; Blake testified he feared for his colleagues’ lives.
• Family’s Reaction: Kaba’s family released a statement through the charity Inquest, criticizing the lack of transparency. They revealed they only learned recently that the Met Police had petitioned the IOPC to drop the case back in November. They described Blake as having shot Kaba “without knowing who he was” and argued he should “quite correctly” face discipline.
• Met Police Stance: Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman supported the pause but argued the case should have ended with the “not guilty” criminal verdict. He noted that Blake’s life has been “effectively on hold” for over three years.
• The Legal Shift: Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper previously vowed to raise the threshold for charging police officers, aligning the “use of force” test more closely with criminal law standards rather than internal misconduct standards.

Conflicting Views:

• The Metropolitan Police Federation: General Secretary Matt Cane called the pause the “right decision,” arguing officers shouldn’t fear losing their livelihood for doing their difficult jobs.
• The IOPC’s Justification: Director Amanda Rowe stated it is “not appropriate” to proceed until the impact of the new legislative amendments is fully understood to ensure the process is “fair and reasonable.”

4. “Why It Matters” (Conclusion)

This legal limbo matters because it sets a precedent for how the state holds its enforcers accountable. For the common man, especially in marginalized communities, it signals that the standards for police conduct are becoming harder to challenge. Conversely, for officers, it represents a potential shield against retrospectively applying strict standards to split-second, life-or-death decisions.