Ruth Broadbent examines the scope of the inquiry into Sarah Everard’s murder: what exactly does it seek to prevent, & how far is it willing to go?
- In the wake of Met Police officer Wayne Couzens’ conviction for the murder of Sarah Everard, an inquiry chaired by Dame Elish Angiolini was established, with Phase 1 to focus on Couzens’ career, conduct and history in the police.
- Many have criticised the scope of the inquiry as too narrow and ineffective. Its non-statutory nature also means the success of its investigation will depend upon the willing co-operation of the police—which has not always been forthcoming in previous inquiries.
‘Inquiries have many purposes. Some are concerned with establishing simply what happened and why. [Some] focus upon discipline. Many inquiries, including this inquiry, involve catharsis and close analysis of what may have gone wrong’ (Sir William Macpherson in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry).
On 3 March 2021 serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens kidnapped Sarah Everard from the street, likely handcuffed her under the pretext of executing a lawful arrest, drove her
