Vigil for Sarah Everard: Remembering Lives Lost

0:00On March 3rd, around 100 people gathered at Clapham Common Van Stand to mark five years since Sarah Everard was murdered by a serving met. Police officer, the vigil on March 3rd honored her life at age 33 and remembered other women and girls lost of violence. Wayne Cousins abducted her while she walked home, raped and killed her, then hit her body in rural Kent. Cousins posed as an officer using his fake authority to lure her into his rented car, driving her 80 miles before the attack. He pleaded guilty in September 2021 and received a whole life sentence, meaning he'll never be released. He's now at a high security prison in County Durham. Organizers from a local news page lay floral tributes and raised funds for a charity supporting abuse survivors. Sarah's mother described her as thoughtful, principled, and a loving person who brightened the world. Attendees remembered her, not just as a news story, but as a daughter and friend with a full life ahead. Met police commissioner, Sarah Mark Rowley, called the murder a profound betrayal of trust

1:04in policing. An inquiry last year found three forces mischances to stop Cousins from joining. It shook officers nationwide and damaged public confidence. Since then, the met has sacked 1,500 officers and staff over three years to rebuild trust. The case still drives changes, ensuring no one abuses power like that again.