Former Metropolitan Police officer, Wayne Couzens has pleaded guilty to the kidnap and rape of Sarah Everard from Belmarsh prison in Southeast London.

The 48 year old was charged with the murder and disappearance of Everald a few months ago and has now admitted responsibility for her killing. He formally pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the kidnap and rape of Everard, speaking only once throughout the session to admit his guilt.

Everald went missing on 3 March this year as she walked home from a friend's house in Clapham, south London. She was later reported missing by her boyfriend the next day and was found a week later in a large builder's bag hidden in Ashford.

A post-mortem examination earlier this month revealed Ms Everard died from compression of the neck.

Members of Ms Everard's family sat in court to witness the defendant enter his pleas. A further hearing before Lord Justice Fulford is due to take place on 9 July.

Ms Everard's death sparked a national debate about female safety and hundreds gathered for a vigil in her memory at Clapham Common.