Wayne Couzens chooses to face jury trial over indecent exposure charges

Wayne Couzens, the Met Police officer who murdered Sarah Everard, has chosen a trial in front of a jury to face four charges of indecent exposure.

Couzens, 49, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon by videolink from Frankland prison, in Durham, sporting a long, bushy grey beard and wearing a grey prison-issue grey sweater. The former armed officer with the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, is facing four charges of indecent exposure.

The alleged flashing incidents are said to have taken place on four occasions in Kent, between January 22 and February 1 2021, January 30 and February 6, on February 14 and February 27. Couzens killed 33-year-old Ms Everard after carrying out a false arrest on her using his police issue handcuffs and warrant card as she walked home from a friend's house on March 3.

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The charges state he allegedly “intentionally exposed his genitals intending that someone would see them and be caused alarm and distress”. At today's hearing, Couzens spoke to confirm his name and date of birth and gave no indication of pleas to any of the charges.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said the case was suitable for trial at the magistrates’ court but when asked by the legal advisor where he wanted the case to be heard, Couzens said: “My legal team have advised me at the Crown Court.”

Mr Goldspringsaid: “Mr Couzens, you are charged with four offences relating to Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act. You have given no indication as to plea in relation to these four matters. I determined that on their own, without what we know happened subsequently, they would be suitable