…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
In a shocking revelation, it has been claimed that a former Metropolitan Police officer failed to adequately investigate Wayne Couzens following two incidents of flashing just hours before he kidnapped, raped, and murdered Sarah Everard.
The officer in question, Samantha Lee, is accused of neglecting to make proper inquiries into the incidents at a restaurant in Swanley, Kent, on February 14 and 27.
These allegations were brought to light during a police disciplinary hearing.
Negligence in Investigative Inquiries:
During the disciplinary hearing, it was disclosed that Ms. Lee, who attended the restaurant on March 3, allegedly did not conduct the necessary investigative inquiries when interviewing the branch’s manager.
It is claimed that she missed an opportunity to gather crucial evidence before Sarah Everard was abducted by Couzens.
Furthermore, when questioned about her actions, Ms. Lee allegedly lied, stating that she believed the restaurant’s CCTV footage was automatically deleted.
Eyewitness Accounts:
According to a statement provided by Sam Taylor, the manager of the McDonald’s drive-through, Couzens exposed himself on both occasions in full view of female staff members.
Taylor’s statement described the incidents where Couzens was seen sitting in his car with his trousers down and his genitals exposed.
This eyewitness testimony served as important evidence regarding Couzens’ indecent behavior.
Lack of Urgency and Failure to Investigate Fully:
The disciplinary hearing was informed that when Mr. Taylor reported the incidents to the Met Police on February 28, the matter was categorized as “less urgent” compared to other cases the force was handling.
Although a computer check revealed that the black Seat Exeo involved in the incidents had been registered to Wayne Couzens since January 2018, standard checks to determine if a suspect in a criminal case is a police officer were not conducted.
Rushed Investigation:
On March 3, Ms. Lee’s last appointment of the day, she visited the McDonald’s where the incidents occurred.
It was argued on behalf of the Met Police that her investigation appeared rushed.
Mr. Taylor allegedly informed Ms. Lee about the presence of additional CCTV footage that could provide evidence.
He also showed her receipts with the last four digits of Couzens’ card and witness statements from two staff members.
However, Ms. Lee’s defense claims that Mr. Taylor did not show her any CCTV footage.
Failure to Properly Handle Evidence:
Following her visit to the restaurant, Ms. Lee submitted a report recommending the arrest and questioning of Couzens.
However, it was revealed that she did not store the witness statements and receipts in a sealed evidence bag, instead keeping them in a pocket in her body armor.
This lapse in handling crucial evidence raises questions about her commitment to performing her duties diligently.
Analysis:
The case against Ms. Lee hinges on whether her actions were a result of a misunderstanding or a lack of effort in carrying out her responsibilities.
The fact that she did not obtain the CCTV footage, despite knowing its importance, and instead relied on others to do so suggests a potential lack of diligence.
Moreover, her decision to keep vital evidence in an inappropriate manner and allegedly lying when the gravity of the situation escalated raises concerns about her professionalism and integrity.
Conclusion:
Wayne Couzens, the perpetrator of Sarah Everard’s abduction, rape, and murder, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
However, it has now come to light that potential negligence on the part of former police officer Samantha Lee may have hindered the investigation and prevented vital evidence from being properly collected.
The misconduct hearing against Ms. Lee, held at Palestra House in Southwark, will determine whether she breached the force’s standards and, if found guilty of gross misconduct, whether she will be banned from