Four years after the horrific murder of Sarah Everard, her mother has spoken publicly about the enduring trauma, describing feelings of 'rage, panic and guilt' over her daughter's final hours. Susan Everard's powerful statement coincided with the release of the second Angiolini Inquiry report on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, which delivered a damning verdict on systemic failures to protect women.
Inquiry Exposes Critical Failures in Protection
The landmark report, chaired by Lady Elish Angiolini, concluded that women across the UK still feel unsafe on the streets. It identified 'critical failures' in how data on predatory behaviour is recorded and criticised a 'scattergun approach' to prevention. The inquiry issued 13 concrete recommendations aimed at overhauling systems to better safeguard women from violent and sexually motivated attacks.
Lady Angiolini issued a stark warning, stating that dangerous predators continue to 'roam freely' due to these persistent gaps in the system. The report serves as a sobering assessment of progress since the tragedy that shocked the nation.
A Family's Torment and a Nation's Grief
Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive, was abducted, raped, and murdered in March 2021 by Wayne Couzens, a serving Metropolitan Police officer. Couzens used his position and knowledge of Covid-19 lockdown rules to falsely arrest her under the guise of a breach of regulations.
In a heartfelt response to the inquiry's publication, the Everard family expressed their gratitude for what they called an 'impressive document'. They stated it honours Sarah's memory and gives a voice to all women affected by similar crimes. Susan Everard's revelation of her ongoing personal anguish underscores the deep and lasting impact of the crime, highlighting that for victims' families, the trauma never ends.
The Path Forward: Demands for Change
The Angiolini Inquiry's 13 recommendations now place significant pressure on the government and police forces to enact meaningful reform. The focus is on creating a more cohesive and effective strategy to identify potential offenders earlier and protect potential victims.
The case of Wayne Couzens, and subsequent scandals within the Metropolitan Police, have irrevocably damaged public trust. This report is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding that trust through actionable change, ensuring that Sarah Everard's legacy leads to a tangible improvement in women's safety and police accountability.
