Cop Faces Misconduct Hearing Over Missed Chance to Stop Wayne Couzens Before Sarah Everard Tragedy
Cop Accused of Ignoring Indecent Exposure Claim Against Couzens
Samantha Lee, a former constable with the South Area Command Unit, is under fire for allegedly botching an investigation in March 2021. She’s accused of failing to properly investigate Wayne Couzens after he exposed himself to staff at a takeaway restaurant — a crucial moment missed before he went on to murder Sarah Everard.
Couzens Behind Bars for Life
Wayne Couzens, once a firearms officer with the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Unit, is serving a whole-life sentence. He was convicted for kidnapping, raping, and murdering Sarah Everard as she walked home through south London on March 3, 2021.
Misconduct Hearing Set for May 15
Lee, who is no longer a police officer, faces a seven-day misconduct hearing starting May 15 at a public venue in Southwark. The hearing alleges that she not only skipped the proper inquiries into Couzens’s indecent exposure but also gave a misleading report when questioned about her actions.
“It is alleged that in doing so, the following Professional Behaviour Standards were violated: Duties and Responsibilities; Honesty and Integrity.”
Couzens’s Previous Indecent Exposure Incidents
- In March, Couzens got 19 months for three indecent exposure offenses.
- Two incidents involved exposing himself at takeaway eateries.
- Another incident in November 2020 involved him standing naked by the roadside in front of a female cyclist.
This new hearing raises tough questions about whether the Met missed early warning signs that could have saved Sarah Everard’s life.
