IOPC withdraws disciplinary case against Met sergeant in Chris Kaba shooting
Decision follows legal change to use-of-force test in police misconduct cases from 30 June 2025
Incident → evidence → outcomeThe Independent Office for Police Conduct has withdrawn disciplinary proceedings against Sergeant Martyn Blake, the Metropolitan Police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba in September 2022. The decision follows a legal change to the standard used to assess police use of force in misconduct cases, which took effect on 30 June 2025.
The IOPC paused the case in January 2025 while awaiting clarity on the impact of the new legislation. The previous civil law test for misconduct has now been replaced by a criminal law standard, which the IOPC says would not support disciplinary action in this instance.
Legal change prompts withdrawal
In a policy statement issued last month, the IOPC outlined that cases assessed under the old civil law test should no longer proceed unless exceptional circumstances exist. The organisation said this approach prevents unfairness, as officers could otherwise face dismissal for conduct that would not meet the threshold for misconduct under the updated law.
The IOPC consulted representatives for Chris Kaba’s family, Sergeant Blake, and the Metropolitan Police before finalising its decision. After reviewing their responses, the IOPC concluded there were no exceptional circumstances to justify continuing the proceedings.
“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.”
Inquest paused pending disciplinary outcome
The IOPC has informed the HM Coroner of its decision. The inquest into Chris Kaba’s death had been paused while disciplinary matters were unresolved. It is unclear when the coroner will decide whether to reopen the inquest.
Chris Kaba, 24, was shot by armed officers in Streatham Hill after a vehicle linked to a firearms incident was stopped. The IOPC completed its investigation in 2023 and referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, which decided in 2024 not to bring criminal charges against Sergeant Blake.
What happens next
The IOPC has confirmed that no further disciplinary action will be taken against Sergeant Blake in relation to the incident. The decision does not affect any potential civil claims or other legal proceedings.
The Metropolitan Police has not yet commented on the IOPC’s decision. Chris Kaba’s family has been informed but has not issued a public statement at the time of publication.
Questions this report answers
01Why has the IOPC withdrawn disciplinary proceedings against Sergeant Blake?
The IOPC withdrew proceedings because the legal test for police use of force in misconduct cases changed on 30 June 2025. The new criminal law standard would not support disciplinary action for conduct previously assessed under the civil law test, unless exceptional circumstances existed, which the IOPC ruled out.
02What was the previous legal test for police misconduct?
Before 30 June 2025, police misconduct cases involving use of force were assessed under a civil law standard. This was replaced by a criminal law test, which the IOPC says sets a higher threshold for disciplinary action.
03Will the inquest into Chris Kaba’s death resume now?
The HM Coroner paused the inquest pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. The IOPC has now notified the coroner of its decision, but it is unclear when or whether the inquest will be reopened.
04Can Chris Kaba’s family still take legal action?
The IOPC’s decision does not prevent civil claims or other legal proceedings. The family may still pursue action through the courts, though no new steps have been announced at this stage.
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