Seven Metropolitan Police officers are set to face a gross misconduct hearing after allegedly accessing confidential files related to the disappearance and murder of Sarah Everard. The hearing, scheduled for Monday, October 28, will address serious breaches of confidentiality and conduct.
The officers involved include former inspector Akinwale Ajose-Adeogun, Detective Sergeant Robert Butters, Police Sergeant Mark Harper, PC Myles McHugh, former trainee Detective Constable Hannah Rebbeck, PC Clare Tett, and Detective Constable Tyrone Ward. They face allegations of violating rules regarding confidentiality, orders and instructions and engaging in discreditable conduct by accessing files unrelated to their official duties.
Sarah Everard, 33, was abducted in March 2021 by serving police officer Wayne Couzens, who used his position to falsely arrest her before raping and murdering her. Couzens, a Metropolitan Police officer at the time, staged a fake arrest using his police-issued warrant card, taking advantage of his authority to carry out the heinous crime. Everard’s death sent shockwaves through the UK and sparked a nationwide conversation on women’s safety.
The officers in question are accused of accessing a police system on multiple occasions during the investigation into Everard’s disappearance, despite not being authorised to do so. The breaches were uncovered during the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards audit.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy commented, “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Sarah Everard’s family. We have kept them informed throughout the investigation and have apologized for the additional distress this has caused. It is clear that all officers are aware of the strict rules governing access to sensitive information, and it is right that this matter is being investigated.
Cundy emphasized the gravity of the allegations, noting that officers are given mandatory training on the importance of protecting confidential information. If found guilty, the misconduct could lead to dismissal from the force, given the severity of the alleged violations.
Everard was abducted while walking home from a friend’s house in South London on the evening of March 3, 2021. Her body was found a week later in a woodland area in Kent. The investigation into her death revealed that Couzens had meticulously planned the kidnapping, hiring a car and purchasing materials days before the crime.
Wayne Couzens was arrested and charged with her kidnap, rape, and murder. In July 2021, he pleaded guilty to all charges and received a rare whole life sentence. However, he has never explained his motive, offering only “no comment” responses during police interviews.
The Metropolitan Police has faced ongoing scrutiny following the case, with additional investigations and reforms prompted by the actions of Couzens and other officers.
The upcoming hearing will determine whether the officers accused of improperly accessing the Everard case files will face further consequences for their misconduct.
