Former Met Police officer Wayne Couzens has admitted to the kidnapping and rape of Sarah Everard today.
Appearing at the Old Bailey court via video-link, Couzens pleaded guilty both to kidnap and rape. He accepted responsibility for killing Everard, but did not enter a plea on the charge of murder today.
33-year-old Sarah Everard was a marketing executive whom her family describes as ‘bright and beautiful’. Her disappearance caused mass outrage earlier this year and sparked a social media movement where women recalled the countless ways their lives are disrupted by male violence. Protests resulted in nationwide calls for better protection for women and girls.
‘Sarah was bright and beautiful - a wonderful daughter and sister,’ Sarah’s family said in the wake of her disappearance. ‘She was kind and thoughtful, caring and dependable. She always put others first and had the most amazing sense of humour. She was strong and principled and a shining example to us all. We are very proud of her and she brought so much joy to our lives.’
Members of Sarah’s family were present in court to hear Wayne Couzens plea, who was arrested on the 9th of March, one week after Sarah’s disappearance. His trial has been set for October 25th before Lord Justice Fulford but there will be a further hearing on July 9th
Couzens was a serving Met police officer at the time Sarah’s disappearance. The 48-year-old joined the Met in 2018, and was attached to an armed unit responsible for guarding the parliamentary estate and embassies in London. His main job was to patrol diplomatic buildings.
He will be expected to enter a plea on the further charge of murder, however today the court was awaiting medical reports.
Now, as the world reacts to Wayne Couzens pleading guity to rape and kidnap, many are sharing their condolences with Sarah's family online - and once again calling for better protection for women against male violence. Response from both the police and the government were widely regarded as disappointing when protests first took place, with fresh calls now hoping for stronger, more empathetic action from those in power.
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