Seven current and former Metropolitan Police officers will face a gross misconduct hearing next month over the accessing of files relating to the case of Sarah Everard.
Marketing executive Ms Everard, 33, was kidnapped, raped and murdered by then-serving Met officer Wayne Couzens as she walked home from a friend’s house in Clapham, south London, in March 2021.
Five serving officers – Pc Myles McHugh, Pc Clare Tett, detective constable Tyrone Ward, detective sergeant Robert Butters and sergeant Mark Harper – will now face a hearing after an audit was carried out by the force’s Directorate of Professional Standards.
The audit looked at who had accessed files relating to Ms Everard’s disappearance and the subsequent investigation, and whether those who had accessed the files did so with a proper policing purpose.
Trainee detective constable Hannah Rebbeck and Inspector Akinwale Ajose-Adeogun, who have resigned from their roles since the investigation, will also face the same hearing.
The individuals will answer allegations that their conduct breached the Met’s Standards of Professional Behaviour, in respect of confidentiality, discreditable conduct, and orders and instructions.
It is alleged that each of the seven individuals accessed a police system relating to Ms Everard’s case between March 5 and 15 2021, some on multiple occasions, and that this was not undertaken in the course of their duties.
The Met said it would not be making any comment prior to or while proceedings were taking place, but added the allegations were serious enough to justify dismissal.
Deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “First and foremost our thoughts remain with Sarah Everard’s family. We have kept them updated throughout the investigation and have apologised to them for the added distress this has caused.
“All Met officers and staff should have no doubt of the rules around accessing files and they know there must be a legitimate policing purpose to do so.
“As well as mandatory training on this issue, they are regularly reminded of our policies when logging into IT systems.
“It is right this was subject to an investigation. It will now be for the hearing panel to look at all of the evidence and decide whether conduct matters are proven for any of these individuals.”
All of the serving officers under investigation have been placed on restricted duties.
The hearing will take place from October 28 to November 15 at Palestra House in central London.
