The BBC has commissioned a two-part factual drama about the murder of Sarah Everard in 2021 by a serving U.K. police officer.
Scheduled to transmit on BBC One and iPlayer, the as-yet-untitled drama from writer and EP Jeff Pope will examine how a sexual offender became and remained a Metropolitan Police officer. It is being produced by ITV Studios’ Etta Pictures, with consultation with Everard’s family.
“Wayne Couzens should never have been a police officer, but opportunities to deny him that privilege were missed,” Pope said. “That he was still a serving officer on the night of March 3rd, 2021, after committing numerous sexual offenses over a long period of time, was a tragedy waiting to happen, and the key question asked by this drama.”
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added, “Drama has a unique ability to sensitively and respectfully tackle real-life subjects, and this series will explore the impact of this horrific crime, the misogyny and failings from within the Met Police, and what lessons can be learnt. Award-winning writer Jeff Pope will treat this with the utmost care, helping to ensure that the issues that led to Sarah Everard’s murder remain in the public consciousness for years to come, whilst continuing to hold the police to account.”
Everard’s family has asked that no contact or interview requests be made. No pictures of Couzens will appear next to Everard in the programme. The BBC has asked that the press follow suit in all coverage.
