In the summer of 2019, Couzens also sexually assaulted a man in a bar in Kent.
The complainant was in drag and wearing a blond wig when Couzens grabbed him inappropriately.
When the victim remonstrated with him, Couzens said he was a police officer and invited him outside to perform a sex act.
The man also came forward to police following Couzens’ arrest for the murder of Miss Everard.
Indecent exposures
There were also a string of allegations of indecent exposures, some of which were reported to police but not fully investigated.
In November 2008 Couzens exposed himself to a woman in south London and while the offence was reported at the time no suspect was identified.
In 2015, while working for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Couzens again exposed himself but despite the victims providing police with his car registration, he was never arrested or charged.
The inquiry concluded that the failure to investigate this offence fully was a “red flag and a missed opportunity to disrupt or even prevent further offending by Couzens”.
Sarah Everard’s murder
Miss Everard was 33 when she vanished in Clapham, south-west London, on the way home from a friend’s house.
She was abducted by Couzens at 9.30 on the evening of March 3 2021 after he stopped her on the street, showed her his warrant card and handcuffed her. Couzens used his status as a police officer to trick Miss Everard into thinking she could have been arrested for breaking lockdown rules in place at the time.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
