Part one of the Angiolini Inquiry has examined the circumstances around Sarah Everard's murder.
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Content warning: This article contains themes such as sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
An inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard has said that the man who killed her “should never have been a police officer”.
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The report also found that police “repeatedly failed” to spot warnings signs and said that more women and girls could have been victims.
Wayne Couzens’ alleged sexual offending goes back nearly 20 years prior to the murder of Sarah Everard. He has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl prior to joining Kent Police in 2002.
The inquiry chair, Lady Elish Angiolini, has warned that without radical overhaul there is “nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight”. She identified a series of failings in how he was vetted, recruited and investigated.
The inquiry called Couzens a “predatory sex offender and murderer”.
Series of incidents highlighted
The Angiolini inquiry found evidence relating to a number of serious incidents involving Couzens.
The inquiry uncovered evidence of a “very serious sexual assault of a child barely into her teens”.
Couzens has also been found to have sent unsolicited images of himself to women. In addition he faces accusations of both sexual touching and the possession of indecent images of children.
The inquiry also found that he showed violent pornography to friends and police colleagues.
The inquiry has criticised both the Metropolitan and Kent Police for inadequate investigations into indecent exposure claims made against Couzens. Credit: James Tillotson for City News
The inquiry has also drawn attention to several incidents where Couzens was accused of flashing, in addition to having received a life sentence for murder.
The background of the Angiolini Inquiry
Following the murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan Police officer, Wayne Couzens, the Angiolini Inquiry has released 16 recommendations designed to stop a similar situation from happening again.
The chair of the inquiry gave comments this morning, stating that she has had the “great privilege” of getting to know the family. She also said that she’s been “profoundly affected by their grief and their grace in their suffering”.
Sarah Everard’s family have said the inquiry has helped them feel that her life was “valued and her memory honoured”. Credit: Metropolitan Police
The inquiry was launched to ensure that Sarah Everard’s family and the public “get a full explanation” of what happened.
It also aims to identify “factors contributing” to the “tragic and harrowing murder,” according to the inquiry brief.
The report delivered the findings of part one of the inquiry, which established:
A timeline of Couzens’ career and any incidents.
Decision making surrounding his vetting and if risks or red flags were missed.
Matters surrounding the transfer of Couzens between police forces.
Couzens’ performance, conduct and training.
The extent to which his behaviour, especially in relation to women, was known about and raised by colleagues and senior leaders.
Any abuse of Couzens’ police powers.
The second part of the inquiry is already underway and is focussing on wider police culture.
City News has the latest breaking news on the inquiry on our liveblog.
If you’ve been affected by this article, or need support you can reach out to the below:
ChildLine is a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. Phone: 0800 1111
The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, offers support to anyone of any gender aged 16+ in England and Wales who have experienced any form of unwanted sexual behaviour, no matter when or where it happened. Webchat is available via the website. Phone: 0808 500 2222
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Headline‘Nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight’, says inquiry
Short Headline'Couzens should never have been a police officer', says inquiry
StandfirstThe Angiolini Inquiry is calling for a "significant" overhaul of police vetting and recruitment.
Content warning: This article contains themes such as sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
An inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard has said that the man who killed her “should never have been a police officer”.
Listen to this article – powered by AI:
The report also found that police “repeatedly failed” to spot warnings signs and said that more women and girls could have been victims.
Wayne Couzens’ alleged sexual offending goes back nearly 20 years prior to the murder of Sarah Everard. He has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl prior to joining Kent Police in 2002.
The inquiry chair, Lady Elish Angiolini, has warned that without radical overhaul there is “nothing to stop another Couzens operating in plain sight”. She identified a series of failings in how he was vetted, recruited and investigated.
The inquiry called Couzens a “predatory sex offender and murderer”.
Series of incidents highlighted
The Angiolini inquiry found evidence relating to a number of serious incidents involving Couzens.
The inquiry uncovered evidence of a “very serious sexual assault of a child barely into her teens”.
Couzens has also been found to have sent unsolicited images of himself to women. In addition he faces accusations of both sexual touching and the possession of indecent images of children.
The inquiry also found that he showed violent pornography to friends and police colleagues.
The inquiry has criticised both the Metropolitan and Kent Police for inadequate investigations into indecent exposure claims made against Couzens. Credit: James Tillotson for City News
The inquiry has also drawn attention to several incidents where Couzens was accused of flashing, in addition to having received a life sentence for murder.
The background of the Angiolini Inquiry
Following the murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan Police officer, Wayne Couzens, the Angiolini Inquiry has released 16 recommendations designed to stop a similar situation from happening again.
The chair of the inquiry gave comments this morning, stating that she has had the “great privilege” of getting to know the family. She also said that she’s been “profoundly affected by their grief and their grace in their suffering”.
Sarah Everard’s family have said the inquiry has helped them feel that her life was “valued and her memory honoured”. Credit: Metropolitan Police
The inquiry was launched to ensure that Sarah Everard’s family and the public “get a full explanation” of what happened.
It also aims to identify “factors contributing” to the “tragic and harrowing murder,” according to the inquiry brief.
The report delivered the findings of part one of the inquiry, which established:
A timeline of Couzens’ career and any incidents.
Decision making surrounding his vetting and if risks or red flags were missed.
Matters surrounding the transfer of Couzens between police forces.
Couzens’ performance, conduct and training.
The extent to which his behaviour, especially in relation to women, was known about and raised by colleagues and senior leaders.
Any abuse of Couzens’ police powers.
The second part of the inquiry is already underway and is focussing on wider police culture.
City News has the latest breaking news on the inquiry on our liveblog.
If you’ve been affected by this article, or need support you can reach out to the below:
ChildLine is a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. Phone: 0800 1111
The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, offers support to anyone of any gender aged 16+ in England and Wales who have experienced any form of unwanted sexual behaviour, no matter when or where it happened. Webchat is available via the website. Phone: 0808 500 2222
