Mother's Poignant Tribute to Sarah Everard Five Years After Tragic Murder
Susan Everard has published a deeply moving tribute to her daughter Sarah, five years after the 33-year-old marketing executive was raped and murdered by a serving Metropolitan Police officer. Writing for British Vogue, Mrs. Everard remembered her daughter's vibrant spirit, love of travel, and principled nature, describing how Sarah "added to the beauty of the world."
A Life Cut Short by Betrayal of Trust
Sarah Everard was walking home from a friend's house in south London on March 3, 2021, when she was tricked by police officer Wayne Couzens into believing she could be arrested for breaking Covid lockdown rules. Couzens, who was later given a whole-life jail term, used his position of authority to commit what Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley called "an unthinkable abuse of power."
"Sarah Everard should still be here," Sir Mark stated in a powerful anniversary message. "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."
Remembering Sarah's Vibrant Spirit
In her tribute, Susan Everard painted a vivid picture of her daughter's character and passions:
- World traveler: Sarah had explored South America, South Africa, Nepal, and southeast Asia, always planning her next adventure
- Social connector: She maintained a large network of dear friends whom the family still meets to celebrate her life
- Principled individual: Her mother described her as "thoughtful and dependable and highly principled"
- Creative soul: Sarah was "a beautiful dancer" who had been "thrilled" to be photographed by Vogue at V Festival in 2010
"I miss the goodness of Sarah," Mrs. Everard wrote, highlighting the everyday moments she cherished, like swapping recipes with her daughter.
Systemic Failures and Ongoing Reforms
The case exposed deep institutional problems within British policing. Sarah Everard's murder led directly to the unmasking of another predator within the Met's ranks when one of David Carrick's victims came forward after hearing Mrs. Everard's victim impact statement. Carrick was later convicted as a serial rapist.
Two major reviews followed the tragedy:
- Baroness Louise Casey's March 2023 report found the Metropolitan Police to be institutionally racist, misogynist, and homophobic
- Dame Elish Angiolini's February 2024 inquiry concluded that the Met and two other police forces could and should have prevented Couzens from becoming an officer
Sir Mark Rowley has spearheaded cleanup efforts, resulting in 1,500 officers and staff being sacked, resigning, or retiring over the past three years. However, he acknowledged that the damage to public trust remains severe, stating: "We will always be deeply sorry for the profound damage inflicted on the trust Londoners should be able to place in their police service."
Political Responses and Ongoing Safety Concerns
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan emphasized that "there is much more work to do" to ensure women and girls feel safe in the capital, pledging to do "everything in my power to help end violence against women and girls."
Jess Phillips, minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, added: "I will do everything I can to ensure women and girls can live free from fear and harm – something Sarah was so cruelly denied."
Susan Everard's tribute concludes with a poignant reflection on a photograph of her daughter taken by Vogue in 2010: "It was a golden time when she had recently graduated and was back home from travels... and already making plans for future adventures." Five years after her murder, Sarah Everard's memory continues to drive conversations about police accountability, institutional reform, and women's safety across the United Kingdom.
