Five years ago, Sarah Everard was killed by a serving police officer.
The 33-year-old was abducted, raped and murdered by then Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens who ensured she never made it home safe as she walked home alone.
He tricked her into thinking she could be arrested for breaking Covid lockdown rules as she walked home from a friend’s house in south London on March 3, 2021.
“Five years have passed since her senseless and devastating murder.
“What happened to her was a profound betrayal: of her, of her family and loved ones, and of every person who places their trust in policing.”
Now a celebration of her life will take place.
When is the vigil taking place?
To mark five years since Sarah Everard was killed, a vigil is being held in Clapham to remember her and the lives of all women and girls who have been taken through violence. The gathering is happening at 6.30pm on Tuesday March 3 at the bandstand in Clapham Common, London.
What will happen at the vigil?
The vigil, which has been organised with permission from Lambeth Parks, was put forward as an idea by those closest to Sarah.
There will be a minute of silence, and everyone in attendance is encouraged to remember Sarah and her death to make sure it is never forgotten.
People are able to lay flowers if they wish, with the organisers coordinating the respectful clearing of flowers with guidance from the park once the event is over.
The organisers have stated that this “will be a peaceful and non-political moment of remembrance, open to anyone who would like to attend.”
The vigil will also be used to raise funds for @solacewomensaid, a London charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
What happened to Wayne Couzens?
Couzens pleaded guilty to Sarah’s murder when he appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh high security jail in July 2021.
He was given a whole life order upon sentencing but in October 2021 appealed against the sentence.
In November 2021, the Home Office launched an independent inquiry to look into the murder, with the first part focusing on Couzens and whether any potential risks or red flags were missed during his time in the police.
In March 2022, Couzens was again charged with four counts of indecent exposure over alleged incidents in January and February 2021 and in July 2022, his appeal was rejected.
In February 2023 he pleaded guilty to the three additional counts of indecent exposure in Kent between November 2020 and February 2021 and was sentenced to 19 months for the offences, although as he is already serving a whole life jail term for Ms Everard’s murder, will never be released.