In early March of this year a marketing executive, Sarah Everard, was walking home in London when she was attacked and killed.

Today, PC Wayne Couzens of the Metropolitan Police pleaded guilty to Everard’s kidnap and rape in what will hopefully become the beginning of the end of this whole affair. The officer appeared by video link at the Old Bailey and is also charged with murder. However psychiatric reports are still being compiled and so it is possible that Couzens will only enter a plea to that charge next month.

Even after the sentencing is complete, the wider issues will continue to remain on the table. Everard’s murder prompted a national debate about the safety of women on the streets and in other public areas. For too long attacks on women have either been normalised or, worse, it is the victim that has been blamed. As the story creeps into the national spotlight once again, we have to hope that pressure for reform can be renewed. Being able to go about your business without being harassed should be a bare minimum and it is ridiculous that in 2021 this is something we have to fight for.

Furthermore the trial of PC Wayne Couzens should also prompt root-and-branch reform of the Metropolitan Police. Not only is Couzens a serving officer but he was accused of indecent exposure only a week before the attack on Sarah Everard. Nothing was done about those accusations and perhaps it wouldn’t have changed the tragic outcome but it is disturbing that a sexual predator was allowed to continue serving with apparent impunity.

After Everard’s body was discovered there were a series of peaceful vigils held around the country to mourn, console and demand change. The only vigil that saw violent scenes was the one at Clapham Common where the Met refused to co-operate with organisers and then reacted aggressively to some of the more vocal protestors. This is only the latest evidence that the capital’s police force is desperately mis-managed.

Without change the number of attacks on young women will continue at an alarming rate. To properly honour the memory of Sarah Everard the pressure for reform must be maintained.