Wayne Couzens Jailed for Three Shocking Exposure Crimes
Wayne Couzens, the disgraced former Metropolitan Police officer convicted of kidnapping and murdering Sarah Everard, has been sentenced for three separate exposure offences committed while on duty.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery and Cooperation
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, who leads the Specialist Crime Command that investigated Sarah Everard’s murder, commended the victims for their strength. She said:
“Those who came forward have shown strength and dignity in the face of Couzens’ attempts to scare and demean them for his own satisfaction.”
“I would like to recognise their patience and cooperation throughout the case, and thank them for standing up to him. Without them justice could not have been served.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy, head of the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, added:
“These awful crimes had a deep impact on the victims. I have read their impact statements and it’s clear the trauma Couzens caused.
Their courage was crucial in bringing him to justice, and I am sorry for all they have endured.”
“Like many, I wish he’d been caught for these offences before the horrific kidnapping, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard.”
Exposure Crimes Spanning 2015 to 2021
Couzens pleaded guilty to the following exposure incidents:
He was sentenced to 19 months’ imprisonment overall, with some sentences running concurrently. Another three exposure charges from 2015 and early 2021 were ordered to lie on file.
Despite reports to Kent Police at the time, the investigations were incomplete before Couzens was identified following Sarah Everard’s murder in March 2021. The Met’s Specialist Crime team took over the case and built a strong file based on phone, financial, and number plate evidence, plus victim statements.
Internal Probes and Misconduct Hearings Ongoing
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reviewed the Met’s handling of Couzens’ prior exposure offences. One officer faces a gross misconduct hearing for alleged breaches of professional standards but resigned in 2022. Another sergeant was cleared.
Due to the criminal proceedings, the misconduct hearing was delayed but will proceed soon, the Met confirmed.
Meanwhile, authorities expect the full circumstances around Sarah Everard’s murder to be examined by the coroner. The Met has withheld further comment to avoid impacting that ongoing process.
