Former Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has been sentenced to a whole-life prison term for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard. The 33-year-old marketing executive was abducted as she walked home from a friend's house in south London on 3 March 2021.
Sentencing Couzens at the Old Bailey, Lord Justice Fulford described the case as 'devastating, tragic and wholly brutal'. He told the 48-year-old that the seriousness of the offences was 'exceptionally high', warranting a whole-life order. The judge said Couzens had shown 'no evidence of genuine contrition', only 'self-pity' and attempts to minimise his actions.
Ms Everard's family expressed relief that Couzens will die in prison, stating: 'Nothing can make things better, nothing can bring Sarah back... knowing he will be imprisoned forever brings some relief.' They condemned his abuse of his position as a police officer to 'lure Sarah to her death'.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick acknowledged that Couzens had 'brought shame on the Met' and damaged the 'precious bond of trust' between the public and the police. She described him as a 'coward' and apologised for his crimes.
An ongoing Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) review has found that vetting procedures missed that two of Couzens' previous cars were linked to allegations of indecent exposure. HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor revealed that Couzens was allegedly known by the nickname 'the rapist' among some colleagues, and had a reputation for drug abuse and extreme pornography.
