An extensive investigation into the disappearance and death of a woman has led to the prosecution of a Metropolitan police officer.
The body of a 33-year-old woman, formally identified as Sarah Everard was found in woodland in Ashford, Kent, on Wednesday, more than a week after she was last seen on 3 March.
Following an investigation by homicide detectives, PC Wayne Couzens, a serving Metropolitan officer was charged with the murder of the marketing executive.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of special crime at the CPS, said: “Following a referral of evidence by the Metropolitan police related to the death of Sarah Everard, the CPS has authorised the police to charge Wayne Couzens with murder and kidnapping.
“The function of the CPS is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges to a court to consider.”
Mr Couzens is due to appear for his first hearing at Westminister magistrates on Saturday. The 48-year-old officer was arrested at his home on Tuesday in Deal, Kent.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mark Drakeford Set To Outline Wales`s Phased Approach To Normality
Ms Everard is said to have disappeared after leaving a friend’s house in Clapham, south London, at around 9 pm.
After Ms Everard went missing, Mr Couzens was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, then murder the following day. He was then separately arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure at a south London fast food restaurant.
