Posted in Chambers' news, Featured, recent news, Recent work

No case to answer for W80 following fatal shooting of Jermaine Baker

On 15 October 2025, a disciplinary panel concluded that MPS Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officer ‘W80’ had no case to answer regarding an allegation that he had breached the professional standards on the use of force.

On 11 December 2015, in the course of an armed operation, W80 discharged his weapon, fatally shooting Jermaine Baker. Mr Baker and two other men were preparing to effect the escape from custody of a leader of the Tottenham Turks organised crime group at Wood Green Crown Court.

There has been extensive reporting of the case, for example, see – Met Police marksman W80 who shot Jermaine Baker dead during foiled prison break has misconduct case dropped | Daily Mail Online

The conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings brings a decade of legal proceedings to a conclusion. The case proceeded through the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court on the question of the correct test for self-defence in professional disciplinary proceedings.

The death of Mr Baker was also the subject of a statutory public inquiry, the report of which can be found: Jermaine Baker Inquiry: report into the death of Jermaine Baker – GOV.UK The Inquiry concluded that Mr Baker was lawfully killed.

Duncan Penny KC and Adam Payter represented W80 in the disciplinary proceedings instructed by Scott Ingram of DAC Beachcroft. Mr Penny represented W80 in the public inquiry. David Perry KC and Rosemary Davidson represented W80 in the litigation concerning the correct test for self-defence.