The BBC has commissioned a two-part factual drama examining the events surrounding the murder of Sarah Everard, with the full cooperation of her family. The series, produced by Etta Pictures (part of ITV Studios) and written by BAFTA-winning Jeff Pope, will explore how Wayne Couzens, a serving Metropolitan Police officer, was able to commit the crime despite a history of sexual offending.
The drama will investigate systemic failures that allowed Couzens to remain a police officer, including poor vetting, lack of training, and repeated dismissal of evidence of his sexual offences. It aims to highlight the misogyny and institutional failings within the police force that came to light after Sarah's abduction and murder in March 2021.
Jeff Pope, writer and executive producer, stated: 'Wayne Couzens should never have been a police officer, but opportunities to deny him that privilege were missed. That he was still a serving officer on the night of March 3rd 2021, after committing numerous sexual offences over a long period of time, was a tragedy waiting to happen.'
The BBC emphasised that the drama will be handled with sensitivity and respect. Sarah's family have requested no contact or interview requests, and the production will not feature images of Couzens alongside Sarah. The series is expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
