Ministers Face Hurdles in Stripping Wayne Couzens of Pension, May Introduce Legislation
Exclusive reports reveal that ministers have so far been unable to strip Wayne Couzens, the former police officer who raped and murdered Sarah Everard, of his public sector pension. Sky News has learned that the government is actively considering introducing new legislation if required to resolve this ongoing and complex legal issue.
Details of Couzens' Pension Service and Legal Complexities
In 2023, London's mayor Sadiq Khan stated in a letter shared with Sky News that he believed Wayne Couzens had approximately seven years of pension service with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), spanning from 2011 to 2018. The CNC is a special force responsible for guarding nuclear facilities, falling under the ultimate authority of the energy secretary, unlike other police forces that report to the home secretary.
Mr. Khan emphasized that the CNC portion of Couzens' pension sits outside the normal police pension regulations, complicating efforts to forfeit it. Freedom of information data obtained by Sky News indicates that there were no pension forfeitures from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary between 2020 and September 2025, and it is understood that this situation remains unchanged.
Government and Official Responses to the Pension Issue
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told Sky News that they are absolutely determined that Wayne Couzens does not receive a Civil Nuclear Constabulary pension. The CNC itself has stated that when Couzens was convicted, it recommended to the employing force that he should lose his pension benefits, but it lacks decision-making powers in this matter.
Sadiq Khan, who also serves as the city's police and crime commissioner, expressed strong views on the issue, telling Sky News: After committing such heinous crimes, Wayne Couzens should not receive a penny in taxpayer-funded pension. Londoners would be furious if he did. Every possible step should be taken to ensure that Wayne Couzens does not receive his Civil Nuclear Constabulary pension.
Legal Framework and Potential Outcomes for Pension Forfeiture
Bethan Shellard-Dedman, a lecturer in policing practice, explained to Sky News the nuances of pension forfeiture. She noted that if successful, the process could return the individual officer's contributions while the state retains any money paid in by the police service, which is funded by taxpayers. When in prison, Wayne Couzens' pension would be suspended, but on his death his family could be entitled to up to 50% of his pension, she added.
The requirements for an officer to have their pension forfeited include committing an offence against the Official Secrets Act or being convicted of an offence that is either gravely injurious to the interests of the state, in connection with their service as a member of a police force, or liable to lead to a serious loss of confidence in the public service. Ms. Shellard-Dedman further clarified: If the forfeiture is successful, the individual officer has their contribution returned. The police force would then retain what they contributed. The amounts of which can vary.
Background on Wayne Couzens' Crimes and Pension Context
Wayne Couzens was convicted of raping and murdering Sarah Everard in March 2021, while he was a serving Metropolitan Police officer. He used his police warrant to lure her into a fake arrest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he was found guilty of indecent exposure offences committed in February 2021 and 2020, all during his tenure at the Metropolitan Police.
In 2023, Sadiq Khan successfully applied to the home secretary to have any money Couzens could have earned in pension payments while serving at the Met forfeited. However, it is understood that this amount is so small it would be negligible due to the short length of his service there. The focus now shifts to the more substantial CNC pension, with the government exploring all legal avenues, including potential legislation, to prevent Couzens from benefiting from taxpayer funds.
