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The three police forces that the officer who murdered Sarah Everard worked for had multiple opportunities to stop him, but none were taken, an inquiry has found.
Police Failures Enabled Wayne Couzens’ Crimes, Inquiry Reveals
An inquiry has found that multiple missed opportunities across three police forces allowed Wayne Couzens, the officer who murdered Sarah Everard, to remain in his position. Despite numerous red flags about his suitability for the role, no action was taken.
The Angiolini Inquiry identified failures in police recruitment, vetting processes, and investigations into concerning behavior, enabling Couzens to misuse his police authority. Lady Elish Angiolini, speaking at the report’s launch, stated these shortcomings allowed Couzens to “enjoy the powers and privileges” of a police officer, which he used to falsely arrest Sarah Everard.
Early Warning Signs Ignored
Vetting Failure Over Debt
In 2008, Couzens applied for a full officer role with Kent Police but failed vetting due to significant debt. Despite this, he continued serving as a special constable, a volunteer police role.
Second Vetting Failure
In 2010, while applying for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Couzens underwent vetting by Thames Valley Police. They flagged his financial issues and recommended rejection. However, this advice was ignored.
Unaddressed Indecent Exposure
By 2015, Couzens had been reported for allegedly exposing himself in Dover while driving. His car was identified, but no charges were filed. This incident was recorded in the police national database but failed to hinder his 2018 application to the Metropolitan Police. Lady Elish described this oversight as “a grave error,” criticizing Kent Police for not investigating the claim thoroughly.
Missed Opportunities to Intervene
Cyclist’s Report
In 2020, a cyclist reported an incident involving indecent exposure and public masturbation in a rural area. The case was closed with minimal investigation. The report suggests a more thorough inquiry might have linked Couzens to the crime, potentially halting his offending and police career.
Drive-Through Incidents Before Murder
Just days before Sarah Everard’s murder in 2021, Couzens exposed himself twice at a McDonald’s drive-through. Despite using his personal credit card and vehicle, the investigation was inadequate. Lady Elish criticized the handling of these cases, stating they “fell below the standards any victim of crime should expect.”
Delayed Justice
It was only after his conviction for murder that Couzens was charged and convicted for earlier indecent exposure incidents, including those at McDonald’s and the case involving the cyclist. Lady Elish concluded that these offences were wrongly treated as minor, with investigations closed prematurely and without due diligence.
