Ex-top cop warns officers may refuse to carry firearms after ruling Chris Kaba marksman can be named

31 October 2023, 07:50

Former top Flying Squad cop speaks to LBC about Chris Kaba shooting officer

EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Former top Flying Squad cop says naming the officer who shot Chris Kaba will lead to "a large number of officers" refusing to carry firearms.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Metropolitan Police officer charged with the murder of Chris Kaba will be named, a judge has ruled.

Kaba, 24, died after being shot in a car in Streatham Hill during a police operation last year.

The firearms officer, who has been referred to as NX121, to keep his identity anonymous will now be named next year, the Old Bailey ruled on Monday.

Recorder of London Mark Lucraft KC said that the marksman’s name and date of birth will be made public on January 30 next year.

Images and drawings of the officer, as well as his address, will continue to stay anonymous from this date.

Former top Flying Squad detective Alan Knapp told LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast it was "a major setback for any police officer who volunteers to carry a firearm in the course of their duty to protect the public."

The former Detective Superintendent warned it could lead to more officers taking time away from carrying firearms during a period of "reflection."

"Many police officers will now reflect on this judge's decision and I think a large number of officers will withdraw their authorisation permits and refuse to carry firearms because of the potential impact on the officer and his family," he told Nick.

Mr Knapp also questioned the length of time it would take for the officer's case to get to court.

"I think it's grossly unfair that the officer is going to be named, not only because of the emotional effect on him and his family."

The ruling comes after hundreds of firearms officers turned in their weapons last month after the officer was charged with Mr Kaba’s murder, while other officers warned they would also hand in their weapons if the marksman's anonymity was lifted.

A plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled to take place on December 1, and a trial is planned to start on September 9 next year.

Chris Kaba was killed by a single shot through the windscreen of his car last year.
Chris Kaba was killed by a single shot through the windscreen of his car last year. Picture: Handout

“I recognise that for officers this decision will be hugely concerning, and that the impact of this and recent cases is felt right across armed policing and beyond,” Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said of the ruling.

“The Met has supported the anonymity hearing by providing evidence and factual information to His Honour Judge Lucraft KC to assist him in making a decision.

“We take seriously the open justice principle, however it was important to make the court aware of the effect that loss of anonymity would have in this case. We acknowledge the judgement by the court and note the detailed and careful consideration that has taken place.”

In September hundreds of officers from the Metropolitan police stepped back from firearms duties in protest after an officer being charged with killing  Chris Kaba
In September hundreds of officers from the Metropolitan police stepped back from firearms duties in protest after an officer being charged with killing Chris Kaba. Picture: Alamy

Mr Kaba was killed by a single shot through the windscreen of his car on September 5 last year after police blocked him in in Streatham Hill, south London.

The Audi had been linked to an incident involving a gun earlier that day in September.

Mr Kaba was taken to hospital and died the next day on September 6.

Mr Twist continued: “Armed officers in London typically respond to around 4,000 armed incidents and 800 pre-planned operations every year, plus recover hundreds of firearms and weapons. Yet on average over the last 20 years firearms have been discharged at suspects on two or fewer occasions per year. Shootings by our armed officers are very rare.

“Taking on the additional responsibilities of being a firearms officer is voluntary in this country due to the very real additional risks the role entails. Accountability will always be crucial, however, it must be an accountability system that officers, and the public, can see fairly takes into consideration and gives appropriate legal protection to the unique role we ask armed officers to undertake.

“A role that is absolutely critical, in ensuring that the public and unarmed colleagues are protected from the most severe and very real threats faced on a daily basis.”

Read more: London's firearms police 'will hand in guns if officer accused of murdering Chris Kaba loses anonymity'

Read more: Wounded hero of London post office shooting backs armed police standing down over Chris Kaba murder charge

The father-to-be's death sparked protests against the police as his family called for justice.
The father-to-be's death sparked protests against the police as his family called for justice. Picture: Getty

The father-to-be's death sparked protests against the police as his family called for justice.

The ruling comes after hundreds of firearms officers turned in their weapons last month after the officer was charged with Mr Kaba’s murder, while other officers warned they would also hand in their weapons if the marksman's anonymity was lifted.

"The anonymity hearing will determine what happens. If he loses his anonymity, then serious questions will be asked," one serving firearms officer told Sky News at the time.

"I haven't handed my firearm in yet, but I would if that happens - and there are many others that would do the same."

A plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled to take place on December 1, and a trial is planned to to start on September 9 next year.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Retired police dogs campaigning outside the Houses of Parliament with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation.

Ministers urged to give pensions to retired police dogs

Police searching for Madeleine McCann deploy digger in ‘now or never’ search for missing girl

Madeleine McCann cops set 'to call off search after just three days' of scouring prime suspect's 'rat run'

Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court to appear before judge over harassment of two journalists between August 5 and 7 2024

Tommy Robinson denies harassing two journalists

The flight was forced to divert to Memmingen Airport in Bavaria.

Ryanair passengers are 'thrown against the ceiling' with nine injured as extreme turbulence hits flight

A Russian strike on Ukraine was reported overnight, killing at least six.

Six dead, including baby, as Russia strikes Ukraine hours after Putin vows to take 'revenge' in call with Trump

Judi Weinstein Haggai and Gad Haggai

Bodies of husband and wife taken on October 7 recovered by Israel in 'special operation'

Chloe Haynes' pre-inquest review had initially been scheduled for this week.

Probe into death of woman, 21, 'crushed' under wardrobe in Liverpool hotel after night out delayed

60th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals

'It was part of my childhood': One Direction star Zayn Malik 'beyond elated' over free school meals announcement

Exclusive
.

'I took a knife off the streets': Pc sacked for ‘lack of respect’ to blade-carrying teen gives his side of the story

Residents won a legal case against Lambeth Council after its Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme was deemed unlawful.

London council told to immediately remove 'unlawful' Low Traffic Neighbourhood that raked in £1m in fines

Ariana Grande attends the "Journey Through Oz" Tour to celebrate the Australian premiere of "Wicked" at State Theatre

Viewers transported back to the world of Oz as first trailer for Wicked: For Good is released

Food distributed to Palestinians in Gaza under Israeli attacks

Hundreds of thousands in Gaza face 'malnutrition and famine' without unlimited access to aid, UN warns

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth

Five per cent NATO spending ‘will happen’, says Pete Hegseth, as UK faces mounting pressure to be ‘combat ready’

Women are less likely to get care for potentially fatal heart condition, study finds

Women less likely to get care for potentially fatal heart condition, study reveals

Exclusive
Eve Donnelly, 39, from Kensington in Liverpool, was repeatedly beaten up, locked in the yard like a dog and left feeling suicidal.

Locked naked in the yard and treated like a dog - Domestic abuse victim urged others to be brave

Staniforth Road, Sheffield

Teen killed after E-bike, pedestrian and car collide in Sheffield