Five years after the tragic murder of Sarah Everard, her mother Susan has written a deeply moving tribute in British Vogue, reflecting on her daughter's vibrant life and the profound loss felt by her family.
A Mother's Loving Memory
Susan Everard's heartfelt words paint a portrait of Sarah as a young woman who embraced life with passion and integrity. She recalled her daughter's love for dancing, her sharp wit, and her strong moral compass that guided her actions.
"She was interested in the world around her and made the most of life. There was a depth to her, she led her life with decency and integrity," Mrs Everard wrote in the emotional tribute.
Captured in Time
The article features a photograph of Sarah taken at V Festival in 2010 as part of Vogue's street fashion series. "It was 2010 when the photograph was taken and, although it is bittersweet, I love to see her, happy and beautiful, with her whole life ahead of her," Susan Everard wrote of the image that captured her daughter's spirit.
Sarah had recently graduated at that time and had returned from travels to south-east Asia, already planning future adventures. The marketing executive was devoted to exploring the globe, with trips taking her to:
- South America
- South Africa
- Nepal
A Life Cut Short
Sarah Everard, aged 33, was horrifically raped and murdered by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens on 3 March 2021. Couzens had duped her into believing she could be arrested for breaching COVID lockdown rules while walking home from a friend's house in south London.
"I miss the goodness of Sarah: she was thoughtful and dependable and highly principled," her mother wrote, also recalling her daughter's sense of humour and describing her as "a beautiful dancer."
Police Betrayal and Aftermath
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged the fifth anniversary of Sarah's murder, stating: "Sarah Everard should still be here. Five years have passed since her senseless and devastating murder. What happened to her was a profound betrayal."
He described Couzens' actions as "an unthinkable abuse of power and a total violation of the values that the Met, and policing, stands for." Couzens received a whole-life prison sentence at his Old Bailey trial in September 2021.
Broader Impact and Reforms
The case exposed serious failings within the Metropolitan Police and led to two significant reviews:
- A March 2023 report by Baroness Louise Casey that labelled the Met as institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic
- A February 2024 investigation by Dame Elish Angiolini concluding that the Met and two other police forces could and should have prevented Couzens from serving as a police officer
Susan Everard's victim impact statement during the trial had an unexpected consequence - it inspired one of David Carrick's victims to come forward, leading to the conviction of another serial rapist within the Met's ranks.
Continuing Legacy
Sir Mark Rowley has led efforts to overhaul the Metropolitan Police, with 1,500 officers and staff having been dismissed, resigned or retired over the past three years. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan acknowledged there is "much more work to do" to ensure women and girls feel secure in the capital.
Jess Phillips, minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, stated: "Five years on from Sarah Everard's tragic murder, my thoughts today are with her family and all those who loved her. I will do everything I can to ensure women and girls can live free from fear and harm."
Susan Everard concluded her tribute with the poignant words that capture her daughter's essence: "She added to the beauty of the world." Her tribute stands as a testament to a life tragically cut short but remembered with enduring love and admiration.
