Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive, was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by serving officer Wayne Couzens in March 2021, a case that has sparked national outrage.

Couzens, who used his police powers to lure Everard into a hire car, pleaded guilty to her rape and murder and is currently serving a whole-life sentence.

The circumstances surrounding Everard's death have highlighted serious issues of police corruption and violence against women.

In light of these events, seven Metropolitan Police officers are facing disciplinary charges of gross misconduct related to the case files of Everard's abduction and murder.

An audit revealed that these officers accessed files related to Everard's case without legitimate policing purposes, raising serious concerns about breaches of confidentiality.

The officers under investigation include five currently serving members: PC Myles McHugh, PC Clare Tett, DC Tyrone Ward, DS Robert Butters, and Sgt Mark Harper.

Two officers, Hannah Rebbeck and Akinwale Ajose-Adeogun, resigned after being placed under investigation and will also participate in the upcoming hearing.

The misconduct hearing is scheduled to take place from October 28 to November 15 at Palestra House in London.

If found guilty, the five serving officers could face dismissal, potential forfeiture of their pensions, and a ban from future policing.

The Metropolitan Police have issued a new apology to Everard's family for the distress caused by the officers' actions during the investigation.

Deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Cundy expressed condolences to Everard's family and emphasized the importance of adhering to rules regarding file access.

An official inquiry has revealed serious flaws in the vetting processes that allowed Couzens to join and remain in the police, highlighting missed opportunities to identify him as a danger to women.