Wayne Couzens Could Retain £7,000 Annual Police Pension While Imprisoned
Wayne Couzens, the former Metropolitan Police officer convicted of the abduction, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard, might continue to receive his police pension of approximately £7,000 per year despite being sentenced to a whole life order in prison. This potential outcome has sparked significant public and governmental concern, as efforts to legally forfeit the pension remain ongoing more than four years after his conviction.
Details of the Case and Pension Entitlement
Couzens, who used his police-issued handcuffs and warrant card to falsely arrest 33-year-old Sarah Everard in March 2021 before murdering her, was handed a whole life order in September 2021, ensuring he will never be released from jail. He had joined the Metropolitan Police in 2018 after serving about seven years with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), a special police force under the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
While prisoners are typically barred from claiming state pensions, there is no automatic prohibition on other pension types, such as those from police forces. This legal loophole has allowed Couzens to potentially retain his CNC pension, valued at around £7,000 annually, unless specific forfeiture measures are enacted.
Government and Legal Efforts to Forfeit the Pension
The UK government has expressed firm determination to prevent Couzens from receiving any pension benefits. A spokesperson stated, "We are absolutely determined that Wayne Couzens does not receive a Civil Nuclear Constabulary pension, and are actively working on it." Ministers have indicated readiness to introduce new legislation if necessary to ensure the pension is forfeited, highlighting the complexity of the legal process involved.
In 2023, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan successfully petitioned the then-home secretary to revoke any pension payments Couzens could have accrued during his time with the Metropolitan Police. However, the CNC operates under a different jurisdiction, complicating similar actions. The CNC itself cannot directly forfeit pensions but has recommended to the UK Atomic Energy Authority—its pension authority—that any entitlements from Couzens' service be forfeited.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Challenges
Data obtained through a freedom of information request, as reported by Sky News, revealed that no pension forfeitures had occurred within the CNC between 2020 and September 2025. This underscores the rarity and difficulty of such cases, particularly when involving forces outside the home secretary's direct oversight.
The situation raises questions about pension policies for convicted criminals in specialized police units and the need for clearer legal frameworks. Public outrage over the possibility of Couzens benefiting financially while serving a life sentence for such a heinous crime has intensified calls for swift legislative action to close existing gaps.
As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice is fully served, with authorities committed to exploring all avenues to strip Couzens of his pension rights, aligning with public sentiment and ethical standards.
