Wayne Couzens Sentenced for Shocking Exposure Crimes
Wayne Couzens, the disgraced ex-Metropolitan Police officer convicted of murdering Sarah Everard, has now been sentenced for three separate exposure offences committed while on duty.
Victims Praise Their Courage After Couzens’ Shaming Acts
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, head of the Specialist Crime Command that investigated Sarah Everard’s murder and these exposure crimes, praised the victims’ bravery. “Those who came forward have shown strength and dignity in the face of Couzens’ attempts to scare and demean them for his own satisfaction,” she said.
“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.”
Met Police Face Scrutiny Over Handling of Exposure Cases
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy, in charge of the Met’s Professional Standards, acknowledged the trauma caused. “I have read the victim impact statements and it is clear the hurt Couzens inflicted was severe. Their courage was crucial in bringing him to justice,” he said.
“Like so many, I wish he had been caught for these earlier offences before he went on to kidnap, rape, and murder Sarah Everard—and I’m sorry he wasn’t.”
The Met’s response to the exposure investigations has been independently reviewed. One officer is set to face a gross misconduct hearing over duties and integrity failings related to the case. That officer resigned from the Met in 2022. Another officer was cleared.
Details of Couzens’ Exposure Offences and Sentencing
- Exposure on 13 November 2020 in Deal, Kent
- Exposure on 14 February 2021 in Swanley, Kent
- Exposure on 27 February 2021 in Swanley, Kent
Couzens pleaded guilty to these offences and was sentenced to 19 months in total, with concurrent sentences of six months for two of the incidents.
Three further exposure charges from 2015 and early 2021 were allowed to lie on file. The 2020 exposure was reported to Kent Police at the time, but the investigations only gained momentum after Sarah Everard’s murder. At the time of her kidnap, Couzens’ occupation had not been identified, hampering earlier action.
The exposure investigations were passed to the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who used number plate recognition, financial and phone records, plus victim testimony, to build the case that led to charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Ongoing Investigations and Coroner’s Inquiry
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is overseeing further misconduct investigations relating to the Met’s handling of these crimes. The full circumstances of Sarah Everard’s murder are expected to be examined by the Coroner in due course.
The Met says it will not comment further to avoid prejudicing ongoing processes.
