Killer police officer Wayne Couzens will stand trial accused of exposing himself at a McDonald's drive-thru in Swanley in the days before he abducted, raped and murdered Sarah Everard.

Couzens – who lived with his family in Freemen's Way, Deal, before his arrest last March – is serving a whole-life term for the crime which shook the nation.

The 49-year-old used his warrant card to stop 33-year-old marketing executive Sarah as she walked home alone, quoting Covid regulations before handcuffing her and driving her to the Kent coast.

He dumped her body near land he owned at Great Chart, Ashford, before being arrested and claiming he'd kidnapped her to repay mobsters after meeting a prostitute.

Couzens, then serving as a diplomatic protection officer in the Met, is now accused of flashing people four times early last year – the last incident just 72 hours before Sarah's abduction.

The offences were reported at the time but no arrests were made.

A police watchdog probe into the investigation is on hold until after criminal proceedings conclude.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon by videolink from Frankland prison, in Durham, sporting a long, bushy grey beard and wearing a grey prison-issue grey sweater.

The charges state he allegedly “intentionally exposed his genitals intending that someone would see them and be caused alarm and distress”.

Couzens spoke to confirm his name and date of birth and gave no indication of pleas to any of the charges.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said the case was suitable for trial at the magistrates’ court but when asked by the legal advisor where he wanted the case to be heard, Couzens said: “My legal team have advised me at the Crown Court.”

Mr Goldspring sent the case to the Old Bailey, where Couzens will next appear on May 11.

He said: “Mr Couzens, you are charged with four offences relating to Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act.

“You have given no indication as to plea in relation to these four matters.

“I determined that on their own, without what we know happened subsequently, they would be suitable for trial in this court.

“As is your right, you have elected Crown Court trial.”