Sarah Everard: Police officer Wayne Couzens pleads guilty to the murder of a 33-year-old man | UK News

Metropolitan Police Officer Wayne Couzens has pleaded guilty to the murder of Sarah Everard – in a case that has sparked widespread shock and outrage that has led to protests over the rate of violence against women.

Couzens kidnapped Ms Everard in a rental car as she was driving home alone from a friend’s house in Clapham, south London, in March.

The 48-year-old gun-trained parliamentary and diplomatic protection officer, who had completed his 12-hour shift that morning, raped and strangled the 33-year-old.

Last month Couzens, of Deal in Kent, accepted responsibility for the murder of Ms Everard and pleaded guilty to her kidnapping and rape.

Today, with five of his family members and Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick in court, he pleaded guilty to his murder when he appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Jail in high security from Belmarsh.

The police chief said she had personally apologized to Ms Everard’s family, telling them how “very sorry” she was for their loss, adding that the force was “sickened, angry and devastated. by this man’s crimes – they are horrific and everyone in the police feels betrayed. “

In an interview with MailOnline ahead of the hearing, Couzens’ wife Elena, 38, said what her husband had done “was not human behavior” and that she was “as puzzled as anyone. world”.

Twelve officers are under investigation by the police watchdog on matters relating to the case.

Prosecutor Tom Little QC told court that Couzens and Ms. Everard “were complete strangers to each other.” The policeman “had not met her before, he did not know her and had no direct or indirect contact with her,” he said.

Sky correspondent Martin Brunt said it was …