By Tony O’Reilly-
The Metropolitan Police firearms officer charged with the murder of Chris Kaba will have his identity revealed, marking a pivotal moment in a case that has garnered widespread attention.
Chris Kaba, aged 24, tragically lost his life in a police operation in Streatham, south London, last year, sparking outrage and protests.
The officer, previously known only as NX121, had sought legal protection for his anonymity. Still, the Old Bailey’s Recorder of London, Mark Lucraft KC, dismissed concerns about a “real and immediate risk” to the officer if his identity was made public.
The decision comes after media organizations, including the BBC, challenged the officer’s application for anonymity, arguing that confidence in the criminal justice system necessitates public access to cases wherever possible.
As a result of the ruling, as from January 30, 2024, the officer’s name and date of birth will be revealed, bringing a level of transparency to a case that has been shrouded in secrecy.
The judge will continue to restrict the publication of the officer’s address and any images or drawings of him.
In his ruling, Judge Lucraft stated that he had reviewed “raw underlying intelligence material” before concluding that there was no “real and immediate risk” to the officer’s life or that of his family if he were named. He acknowledged that releasing the officer’s address and image could pose such risks.
The judge also noted that a three-month delay in releasing the officer’s identity would allow time for “the imposition of any additional mitigating measures” by those responsible for handling the case.
The decision to reveal the officer’s identity has raised concerns within the Metropolitan Police.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said “I recognize 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.”
Twist emphasized the importance of open justice but stressed the significance of maintaining the anonymity of officers involved in shooting incidents.
Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for armed policing, mentioned that the organization would reflect on the implications of the decision for policing in general.
The charged officer, referred to as NX121, was officially charged with murder on September 20. At that time, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) chose not to publicly name the officer, pending further legal hearings.
He subsequently appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 21, where District Judge Nina Tempia issued an order preventing any publication that could identify the officer.
A plea and trial preparation hearing in this case is scheduled for December 1.
Chris Kaba lost his life in a shooting incident in Streatham Hill, south London, in September of the previous year. His family had expressed their desire to see the officer face criminal charges.
The charging decision had a profound impact on the Metropolitan Police, with hundreds of police officers in London surrendering their weapons permits in response to the news.
The Met reported that many firearms officers were “worried” about the implications of the charging decision, leading to heightened concerns within the law enforcement community. Armed officers from other police forces were deployed, and soldiers were put on standby as a contingency measure during this turbulent period.