Gateshead pub vows to get women home safe in wake of Sarah Everard murder

Sarah Everard, 33, was kidnapped, raped and murdered by then serving Met police officer Wayne Couzens, 48.

Couzens was sentenced to a full life sentence last week, meaning he will never be released and will die in prison.

“We were all touched by the events around that poor girl Sarah Everard,” wrote Gateshead pub, the Schooner, on social media.

“It’s difficult to know what to do to help change the world but for our part we feel compelled to do something.”

The Schooner added: “Anyone visiting The Schooner at any time who feels vulnerable walking home or can’t get a taxi for whatever reason we will get you home.

“Whether it’s a lift from two of our team or sorting you a taxi and two of us waiting with you until it comes. No one should have to walk home from here frightened. I wish the world were different but please just ask us if you need help getting home and we will make sure you do.

“I hate the idea that anyone might think this is courting publicity, it’s just the current taxi situation is impossible and frankly we’d never forgive ourselves if anything ever happened as unlikely as that is.”

The announcement received a strong response from grateful customers thanking the team for offering support and helping the community.

One woman wrote: “Thank you. It saddens me to the core that this is even a post you could imagine writing, but your commitment to the community and supporting others never ceases to amaze me.”

This action has also inspired other local pub workers to get involved. With Jayne Sheldon of another Gateshead favourite The Three Tuns, being inspired by the action and announcing that they will offer a similar service:

“I would be devastated if anything were to happen after spending a night at The Three Tuns,” she said.

“So I would say that the staff at the Tuns on a weekend will offer the same service either by waiting with you or by sorting some kind of safe transport home.

“As a woman, a mother and a bar person I see risks and dangers more often than I would like.”