Crime

Wayne Couzens: How A London Cop Became A Killer

On March 3rd 2021, 33-year-old Sarah Everard was kidnapped and murdered by Police officer Wayne Couzens in South London. 

Couzens used his badge to lure Sarah into his car by lying and saying she was in breach of Covid protocols. 

The case became a watershed moment in the UK, leaving the nation distrusting of the police.

Former detective Steve Gaskin unpacks how police failings led to Sarah’s murder on Crime Insiders:

Former detective Steve Gaskin said, “We all hang or hung our heads in shame.”

Gaskin said police failed to prevent Couzens from offending and made two notable errors.

“First of all, Wayne Couzens had been up to indecently assaulting women, exposing himself, flashing, taking his trousers down and everything that goes with that frightening experience for women. And he had the nickname on his shift… called the rapist.”

More from LiSTNR Crime: How A Simple Mistake Caught “Most Prolific” US Bank Robbers

Gaskin said one simple question was never asked by his police peers: Why has he got that nickname?

“Secondly, Wayne Couzens had exposed himself at two McDonald’s restaurants and on both occasions or certainly on one, the registration number of his car was found.”

“This murder of this particular woman could have been prevented, in my view.”

Subscribe to Crime Insiders, taking you beyond true crime. In groundbreaking interviews, explore the world of policing and forensics through stories from the world’s most experienced and decorated experts.  

Jade Murray

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