BRITISH POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH SARAH EVERARD’S MURDER

Sat 13 March 2021:

London police arrested a member of the force’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command on Tuesday as a suspect in the case. Late Friday police charged the officer, Constable Wayne Couzens, with kidnapping and murder.

Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive, set out on the 50-minute walk home from a friend’s house in south London at about 9 p.m. on March 3. She never arrived. On Friday police confirmed that a body found hidden in woodland 50 miles southeast of the city is hers.

Everard’s disappearance and killing has caused a nationwide outcry, with thousands appealing on social media for information to help find her. Women also then began sharing experiences of being threatened or attacked — or simply facing the everyday fear of violence when walking alone.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Couzens in custody, and he will appear again in court next Tuesday.

Sarah Everard’s body was identified by her dental records after it was found in a large bag similar to ones used by builders to transport heavy loads.

Couzens, who joined the police force in 2018, was a part of team serving in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

During his duty, he is likely to have been in shifts including the guarding of foreign diplomats and MPs.

In a statement issued Thursday, Everard’s family said “our beautiful daughter Sarah was taken from us and we are appealing for any information that will help to solve this terrible crime.”

A court on Saturday heard that her body was found in a builder’s bag in a woodland area in Ashford, Kent.

“I don’t have the power to consider the question of bail. That will be considered should you wish to make an application to the court on 16 March,” Goldspring said.

“You are therefore remanded in custody until that date, both charges having been sent to the crown court.”

Everard’s murder has sparked tension across the country, with the government being urged to provide safer streets for women.