He is charged with the kidnap and murder of the 33-year-old
The Metropolitan Police officer charged with the murder of Sarah Everard has appeared in the Old Bailey today.
He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, appearing to rock to and fro whilst staring at the floor during the hearing. A plea hearing has been set for July 9th at the Old Bailey, with provisional trial date set for October 25th.
He appeared at the hearing via video link from Belmarsh Prison, whilst Sarah's family were observing the hearing remotely.
The suspect was wearing a light red jumper and grey jogging bottoms, and the 48-year-old appeared to have a wound to his forehead. He has been remanded in custody.
Prosecutor Tom Little QC told the court that the circumstances of the case had led to a "very significant and wide-ranging investigation," and that the case had attracted an "almost unprecedented" level of media and public attention. The court heard that a trial could potentially last for up to four weeks.
Sarah Everard, who was a marketing executive, disappeared on the night of March 3rd whilst walking home, with her boyfriend reporting her missing the next day. Her body was found in a builder's bag a week later in Kent woodland. Kent County Council have announced that an inquest into her death is likely to be opened later this week.
Everard's death has sparked an outpouring of emotion, with vigils held in her memory, and prompting large-scale conversations surrounding women's safety and the issue of violence against women.
As anger over police conduct - including aggressive tactics used at last weekend's vigil - has grown,
news broke on Monday night that a probationary Met Police officer had been removed from duties and placed in a non-public facing role after allegedly sharing an "inappropriate graphic" during the search for Sarah Everard.
