Met Police marksman charged with Chris Kaba murder named for the first time as judge lifts anonymity order
LBCMar 08
UK: Police Officer Named in Chris Kaba Murder
The Facts
A British police officer charged with the murder of 24-year-old Chris Kaba has been named for the first time after a judge lifted the anonymity order in the case on Friday.
Previously known by the codename NX121, the specialist firearms officer from London's Metropolitan Police was named as Martyn Blake. The 40-year-old has pleaded not guilty.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Being a specialist firearms officer is one of the most demanding jobs in the UK. These officers who routinely risk their lives to protect the public must have full confidence that they will be protected from unfair scrutiny while carrying out this dangerous job. This disappointing ruling will undermine other firearms officers' ability to perform their duties.
Establishment-critical narrative
Police officers have for too long terrorized and inflicted harm on Britain's Black community. They shouldn't be able to do so while hiding behind the cover of anonymity. Britain has a long history of open justice, and it's absolutely right that the officer accused of murdering Chris Kaba is named.