Sarah Everard's parents are launching a new campaign aimed at pushing for stricter penalties for perpetrators of serious violence and sexual offenses. The campaign, organized as a group, was launched in Parliament to raise public awareness of victims' rights and advocate for necessary legal reforms.
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03-26, 2025In 2021, 33-year-old Ms. Everard was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens while walking home in London. Couzens was later sentenced to life imprisonment. Everard's parents, Jeremy and Susan, stated, "It is important that sentencing truly reflects the severity of the crimes committed and provides a sense of justice for the victims and their families."
The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) stated that a sentencing review has been initiated to ensure that sentences punish criminals and protect the public. The Everards said, "While nothing can alleviate the pain of losing our daughter, we are comforted that the murderer of our daughter was sentenced to life imprisonment." They added, "This makes us feel that his crime was fully recognized and our daughter's life was valued. We also know that other families in similar situations have not received this comfort, highlighting the need for consistent and just sentencing."
Another member of the "Victim Justice" organization is Paula Hudgell, the adoptive mother of double amputee Tony Hudgell, who lost his legs due to injuries inflicted by his biological parents. Ms. Hudgell stated, "When criminals abuse children, it has a devastating impact on the child's entire life. Victims may spend decades dealing with the consequences of abuse. However, the perpetrator may have already been released from prison, living a free life, while the victim's suffering continues for decades. We need a justice system that adequately reflects this. I have seen many cases of child abuse where the perpetrators have not been punished in accordance with their crimes. Not to mention the murderers of children—in my opinion, they should never be released."
Other members of the group include the parents of four-year-old Violet-Grace Youens, who was killed in 2017 by a driver speeding at over 80 mph in a 30 mph zone. Ayse Hussein has also joined the group; her cousin Mihrican Mustafa, also known as Jan, was murdered in 2018 by a convicted pedophile. Katie Brett, whose 16-year-old sister Sasha Marsden was stabbed to death in 2013, said, "You hear people being sentenced to life imprisonment. But the people really sentenced to life imprisonment are families like mine. Ultimately, most murderers eventually get out—sometimes in as little as 15 or 20 years. My sister was supposed to have decades of life ahead of her, making the injustice even more profound."
Brett added, "If you take a life, shouldn't the starting point be spending the rest of your life in prison? This is what our family wants, and it is a respect to my sister's memory. I think this is what most families want, and I think most people would support this." A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Justice said, "Serving victims must always be a priority for the criminal justice system." They added that the Lord Chancellor has also asked the Law Commission to consider whether the law on murder and sentencing guidelines are effective. The "Victim Justice" organization stated that its formation comes amid ongoing public concern that serious offenders are escaping due punishment. They are scheduled to meet with cross-party members of parliament and opposition leader Kemi Badenoch on Wednesday to further their cause.
