New Chief Constable reacts to sentencing of Sarah Everard’s killer

Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, was handed a whole life order on Thursday, September 30, for the kidnap, rape and murder of Ms Everard in March of this year.

West Mercia Police Chief Constable Pippa Mills has reacted to Couzens' sentence.

She said: “First and foremost the thoughts of everyone in West Mercia Police are with Sarah Everard’s family and friends. Whilst the sentencing hopefully provides some small amount of justice, I recognise that nothing will ever relieve the pain and loss they must be experiencing.

“I echo comments made by national colleagues - the police service has been shaken by the abhorrent actions of Wayne Couzens. The crimes he committed against Sarah and the abuse of a position of trust counter everything we stand and strive for as a service.

“Like colleagues across the country, I recognise the understandable damage to public trust and confidence in policing. We must now do everything possible to rebuild that faith, to understand women’s fears and concerns and to show beyond doubt that they can put their trust in us.”

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Lord Justice Fulford sentencing Wayne Couzens at the Old Bailey in London (PA)

She added: “As an organisation, we will review the key points of learning and best practice that have come to light during this case. We remain absolutely committed to progressing our local plans to prevent violence against women and girls, to keep them safe and to make them feel safe.

“In West Mercia, we are focussed on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls. We prioritise domestic abuse, serious sexual offences, stalking and harassment, aiming to bring offenders to justice and support victims.

“We work closely with our local partners, taking a joined up approach across our three counties; and we are committed to working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other U.K. forces to ensure a clear and coherent approach across policing nationally.”

Constable Mills also repeated the guidance issued by the Metropolitan Police Service on what to do if approached by a lone police officer.

Police have told members of the public to ask questions to be certain of an officers identity and intentions, and have been told to dial 999 if they feel they are in danger, however this guidance has come under scrutiny from women’s rights activist Patsy Stevenson, who was arrested at the vigil for Ms Everard.

In a tweet, she wrote: “Telling us that we should scream and draw attention to ourselves, or call 999 to check, or wave down a bus, is like saying she could have stopped it. She couldn’t have. This was not down to her. We should be able to trust that a police officer is not going to murder us.”

Patsy Stevenson lays a candle at Clapham Common, London, after the sentencing of Wayne Couzens (PA)

Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion, also released a statement, seeking urgent reassurance that measures are being in place to keep the public safe.

He said: “This horrific incident will have understandably affected the trust of the country in policing. One individual’s actions should not undo the excellent and committed work that many officers tirelessly do to protect all members of our community both in West Mercia and nationally.

“I as Commissioner know that now more than ever, members of our community especially women and girls need to feel reassured. Reassurance needs to be in place to guarantee everyone will be treated appropriately should a police officer speak to them. That they only experience the police in a legitimate manner or when they need assistance. They should be confident in the service they are provided with.

“The safety of women and girls continues to be a key priority in my Safer West Mercia Plan and I am committed to ensuring that they not only are safe but feel safe. I will ensure they are not only given a voice, but they are being listened to.”