Couzens was charged with Everard's kidnapping and murder on 12 March, following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.[30] He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 13 March and was remanded in custody before appearing at the Old Bailey via video link from Belmarsh Prison on 16 March.[2][3] The plea hearing and provisional trial are set for 9 July and 25 October 2021 respectively.[9]