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Sarah Everard: PC Wayne Couzens pleads guilty to kidnap and rape and admits killing her

Diplomatic protection officer accepts responsibility for killing 33-year-old but not asked to enter plea to murder charge

Chiara Giordano
Tuesday 08 June 2021 10:15 EDT
Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has pleaded guilty to the kidnap and rape of Sarah Everard in south London
Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has pleaded guilty to the kidnap and rape of Sarah Everard in south London (PA)

Former Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has pleaded guilty to the kidnap and rape of Sarah Everard.

The Old Bailey was told the ex-parliamentary and diplomatic protection officer also accepted responsibility for the killing of 33-year-old Ms Everard.

However, he was not asked to enter a plea to a charge of murder when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

Marketing executive Ms Everard went missing as she walked home from a friend’s house in Clapham, south London, on 3 March this year.

She was reported missing by her boyfriend on 4 March and her body was found in a large builder’s bag hidden in an area of woodland in Ashford, Kent, a week later.

Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has accepted responsibility for the killing of Sarah Everard
Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has accepted responsibility for the killing of Sarah Everard (SWNS)

A post-mortem examination earlier this month revealed Ms Everard died from compression of the neck.

The Metropolitan Police officer, 48, was wearing khaki trousers and a grey sweatshirt as he appeared by video link from Belmarsh jail.

He pleaded guilty to kidnapping Ms Everard “unlawfully and by force or fraud” on 3 March.

He also pleaded guilty to a second charge of rape between 2 and 10 March.

People view floral tributes left at the bandstand in Clapham Common, London, for Sarah Everard
People view floral tributes left at the bandstand in Clapham Common, London, for Sarah Everard (PA)

Couzens was not asked to enter a plea to her murder between the same dates.

The defendant replied “Guilty, sir” when asked for his plea to the first two charges.

The court heard that responsibility for the killing was admitted but medical reports were awaited.

Members of Ms Everard's family sat in court to witness the defendant enter his pleas.

A further hearing before Lord Justice Fulford is due to take place on 9 July.

Ms Everard’s death sparked a national debate about female safety and hundreds gathered for a vigil in her memory at Clapham Common.

Additional reporting by PA

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