October 21st 2024.
On September 5, 2022, Chris, a 24-year-old man, was driving an Audi when he was shot in the head. The incident occurred during a 'hard stop' by the Metropolitan Police, and it was later discovered that Chris had been shot through the windscreen of his car. The police officer responsible for the shooting, Martyn Blake, 40, was recently found not guilty of Chris's murder at the Old Bailey after a three-hour jury deliberation. As the verdict was read, Mr. Blake, who was dressed smartly, seemed to be overwhelmed with emotion and breathed out, puffed his cheeks, and turned away in relief. On the other hand, Chris's family, who were present in court, remained silent and showed no immediate reaction.
Helen Lumuanganu and Prosper Kaba, the mother and father of Chris, were also present during the sentencing. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) defended their decision to prosecute Mr. Blake, stating that it was necessary for the case to be put before a jury for their scrutiny and decision. The head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, Frank Ferguson, expressed his sympathies for Chris's family and respected the jury's decision. He also emphasized the complexity and sensitivity of the case and the thorough consideration of all the available evidence before making the decision to prosecute.
However, the CPS's decision raised questions about how firearms officers are held accountable in fatal shootings. In this case, Mr. Blake's colleagues had initially refused to work after he was charged with murder, showing concerns about the level of scrutiny they could face if they had to use their firearms. The Independent Office for Police Conduct will now determine if Mr. Blake should face a disciplinary hearing.
The incident that led to Chris's death began when the car he was driving was used as a getaway vehicle in a shooting the previous evening. The police recognized its registration number and hemmed it in with their cars in Kirkstall Gardens. Evidence presented in court showed footage of the fatal shooting, which sparked marches across London. According to Mr. Blake, Chris had driven back and forth, trying to ram his way out, and he believed that one of his colleagues was about to be killed. In his defense, Mr. Blake's colleagues testified that they would have taken the same action if he hadn't, and they also described the high-pressure situation they were in.
The prosecution argued that Mr. Blake had misjudged the risk and exaggerated the threat to his colleagues in his statements following the shooting. They also claimed that he had aimed at Chris's head, which Mr. Blake denied. In his defense, Mr. Blake's lawyer, Patrick Gibbs, emphasized that his client was human and not a 'RoboCop' with superhuman reactions. He also presented glowing testimonials from Mr. Blake's colleagues and senior officers, highlighting his dedication and abilities.
The trial also shed light on the life of Mr. Blake, who had never fired a gun at a human being or witnessed a gun being fired at a human being before the night Chris died. Those close to him had been hesitant about his decision to become a police marksman, but Mr. Blake believed it was the best job in the Metropolitan Police. Official figures showed that in England and Wales, there were 18,395 police firearms operations in the year leading up to March 2023. Out of these, police weapons were deliberately fired in only 10 incidents, resulting in three fatalities.
Despite the tragic outcome of this incident, it has also raised important questions about the training and accountability of firearms officers. It is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful consideration and scrutiny. As we await the decision of the Independent Office for Police Conduct, our thoughts remain with Chris's family, who have lost a loved one in such a devastating way.
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