Everard, 33, a marketing executive originally from York, was killed in March after disappearing while walking home in Clapham, south London.
Her boyfriend reported her missing on March 4 and her body was found hiding in a wooded area in Ashford, Kent, on March 10.
PC Wayne Couzens of the London force pleaded guilty to the abduction and rape of Ms Everard at the Old Bailey this morning (Tuesday).
The court heard that Couzens accepted responsibility for Ms. Everard’s murder, but was not asked to plead guilty to a murder charge while medical reports are ongoing.
The Metropolitan Police officer was wearing khaki pants and a gray sweatshirt when he appeared via video link from Belmarsh Jail.
He pleaded guilty to abducting Ms. Everard “unlawfully and by force or fraud” on March 3.
He also pleaded guilty to a second count of rape between March 2-10.
Couzens was not asked to plead guilty to his murder between March 2 and 10.
The defendant said, “Guilty, sir” when asked to plead guilty to the first two counts.
The court heard that responsibility for the murder was admitted, but medical reports were awaited.
Members of Ms. Everard’s family sat in court to witness the defendant present his statements.
A new hearing will be held on July 9 before Lord Justice Fulford.
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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-08 09:34:25
