Sarah Everard’s parents are calling for tougher sentences for violent offenders that “reflect the seriousness of the crime”.

Sarah was raped and murdered by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, from Deal, in March 2021.

Her body was discovered in woodland near Ashford and Couzens was later sentenced to a whole life order.

Now, Sarah’s parents Jeremy and Susan Everard are part of Justice for Victims - a new campaign group set up by the families of victims of serious crimes.

"It’s important that sentences should truly reflect the seriousness of the crime and give victims, their families and society a sense of justice having been served,” they said.

"Although nothing can alleviate the sense of loss, it is a relief to us that our daughter's murderer received a whole-life order.

"It made us feel that the enormity of his crime was recognised and that our daughter's life was valued.

"We know of other families in similar circumstances who have not had this small comfort."

The group, launching today in Parliament, was set up amid fears about serious criminals escaping proper punishment.

The adoptive mother of Tony Hudgell, who was in 2014 left with life-changing injuries by his birth parents, Jody Simpson and Anthony Smith, is also part of the group.

Tony was just months old when he was terribly beaten in a Maidstone flat, leaving him with multiple fractures and dislocations, and blunt trauma to the face.

His injuries caused organ failure, toxic shock, and sepsis, ultimately leading to the necessary amputation of both his legs.

Jody Simpson and her partner Anthony Smith were jailed for 10 years in 2018.

Ms Hudgell said: "When criminals abuse children, they are creating a devastating impact for the rest of that child's life.

"Many decades can be spent wrestling with the aftermath. Yet perpetrators can be out of prison living a free life whilst the suffering for the victim goes on for decades.

"We need a justice system that reflects that properly. I have seen so many cases of child abusers that don't get a punishment that fits the crime. Let alone child murderers - they shouldn't get out of prison in my view."