19 February 2024 , 23:43
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Sarah Everard's family hope a new BBC documentary will “contribute to the ongoing dialogue” around violence against women.
The BBC have announced new documentary called Sarah Everard: The Search For Justice that will look at the aftermath of the 33-year-old’s murder. It will also examine “how this devastating crime unfolded” and the way police approach these types of cases. The production team worked closely with Sarah’s parents to make the hour-long programme.
Emma Loach, BBC lead commissioning editor for documentaries said: “They hope that it will bring increased focus to issues of women’s safety, and abuse of power by police and other in positions of authority. The murder of Sarah Everard sent shockwaves across the country and ignited an urgent conversation about police failings and violence against women and girls.
Sarah was kidnapped while walking home in London (PA)“This is an important and timely film and we, like Sarah’s family, hope it will contribute to the ongoing dialogue around the issues raised.” The senior investigating officer, the prosecuting barrister and Sarah’s local MP will also feature in the BBC Factual programme.
Wayne Couzens, who was an Metropolitan Police officer off-duty, kidnapped marketing executive Everard as she walked home through Clapham, south west London on March 3 2021. He then raped and murdered her, using emergency Covid powers to falsely arrest and handcuff Sarah before driving 80 miles to Kent. Couzens was handed a whole life prison sentence for the crime that shocked the country and led to protests.
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A vigil for Sarah saw hundreds attend the event, including the Princess of Wales. It was held amid Covid restrictions in March 2021, and led to arrests by the Metropolitan Police which subsequently made pay-outs to two women. The Met was criticised for its heavy handling of the later stages of the vigil, with outrage that some women were bundled to the ground, and its “tone-deaf” reaction in the aftermath.
In the wake of a series of scandals including Couzens and then-Pc David Carrick being unmasked as a serial rapist, it was placed into special measures. The Casey Review, published in March 2023, found the Met to be institutionally racist, misogynist and homophobic. An inspection by then-home secretary Priti Patel in the wake of Sarah's murder, concluded a culture of misogyny, sexism and predatory behaviour towards female police officers and staff and members of the public still exists and is “prevalent” in many forces.
It is understood the documentary will not feature pictures of Couzens next to Everard in the film, in line with the family’s wishes. Back in 2022, a source told The Mirror about the documentary:“The documentary is being made with the blessing of Sarah’s family. It will focus on the case, the public reaction, the aftermath and the wider repercussions. This was a landmark case and it is important that it is examined and explained to as large an audience as possible.”