London Police Commissioner Says She Is 'So Sorry' Over Murder of Sarah Everard by Then-Serving Police Officer

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said that she was “horrified” and “so sorry” following the kidnap, rape, and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard by then-serving police officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021.

Couzens, 48, pleaded guilty to murder on July 9. He was given a life sentence on September 30 after a two-day hearing in London at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, known as the Old Bailey.

In a statement outside court, Dame Cressida said that trust in the Metropolitan Police Service was “shaken” by Couzens’ actions.

“I absolutely know that there are those who feel their trust in us is shaken. I recognize that in some people a precious bond of trust has been damaged. Our dedication to you, our public, remains undiminished. As Commissioner, I will do everything in my power to ensure we learn any lessons,” Dame Cressida said.

Everard’s family said they were pleased with Couzens’ life sentence.

“Nothing can make things better, nothing can bring Sarah back, but knowing he will be imprisoned forever brings some relief. Wayne Couzens held a position of trust as a police officer and we are outraged and sickened that he abused this trust in order to lure Sarah to her death. The world is a safer place with him imprisoned,” they said. Credit: Metropolitan Police via Storyful