A British police officer on Tuesday admitted to raping and kidnapping Sarah Everard, who was abducted on her way home from a friend’s house and later killed.
London officer Wayne Couzens, 48, pleaded guilty to kidnap and rape charges during a court hearing at London’s Old Bailey. He was not charged with murder, according to The Associated Press.
Couzens also reportedly admitted to killing Everard, though he did not enter a plea as medical reports are still being prepared.
Everard’s body was discovered in March in a wooded area nearly 50 miles away from where she was abducted. Her killing sparked outrage from women across the country who also expressed their own fears when walking alone at night.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson responded to the outcry in March by detailing a plan to provide improved street lighting and a program allowing plain clothes police officers to visit bars and clubs in order to “identify predatory and suspicious offenders.”
“Ultimately, we must drive out violence against women and girls and make every part of the criminal justice system work to better protect and defend them,” he said at the time.
The Metropolitan Police force, where Couzens was employed, has condemned Everard’s killing. Couzens joined the force in 2018 and served in the parliamentary and diplomatic protection command, the AP noted.
Couzens will face another hearing on July 9.