Devastated Family of Sarah Everard Watch Killer Admit Responsibility
The family of Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old marketing manager, watched in horror as their daughter's killer, Scotland Yard officer Wayne Couzens, pleaded guilty to her kidnap and rape in a hushed courtroom at the Old Bailey. The 48-year-old diplomatic protection officer, who is also accused of murdering Everard, accepted responsibility for her killing but was not asked to enter a plea due to pending medical reports. The dramatic scenes came ahead of Couzens's murder trial, which is set to take place in October.
Key Takeaways:
- Wayne Couzens, a 48-year-old diplomatic protection officer, pleaded guilty to the kidnap and rape of Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old marketing manager.
- The charges were admitted in a hushed courtroom at the Old Bailey, with Couzens speaking barely above a whisper.
- The plea was accepted ahead of Couzens's murder trial, which is set to take place in October.
- Medical reports regarding Couzens's state of mind at the time of the killing are pending, which prevented the charge of murder from being put to him.
- The case has led to a nationwide debate around women's safety, with vigils held across the country in response to Everard's disappearance and death.
- Everard's remains were found in a builder's bag in woodlands near Ashford, Kent, and were identified by her dental records.
- A post-mortem examination revealed that Everard died as a result of compression of the neck.
- Couzens is due to face a further hearing before Lord Justice Fulford on July 9.
Statistics:
- Age of Sarah Everard: 33
- Age of Wayne Couzens: 48
- Date of kidnap and rape: March 3
- Time of kidnap: approximately 9pm
- Distance between shared location and last seen: 2 miles
- Time of bus camera capture: 9:35pm
- Number of days before remains were found: unknown (date not specified)
- Number of days since last seen: approximately 10-14 days (no specific date given)
- Date of post-mortem examination: last week (no specific date mentioned)
Sources:
- The Times
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Daily Mail