A series of failures within the UK's criminal justice system allowed a convicted sex offender, Simon Levy, to remain free and commit further violent crimes, including two murders and a rape, politicians and justice advocates have stated. Levy, 40, was convicted of murdering two women and raping a third, with authorities concerned about additional potential victims.
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, has been at the forefront of criticism, stating that a "broken system" enabled Levy's repeated release, allowing him to continue his offenses. She suggested that lenient attitudes towards justice embolden serious criminals. Levy's convictions include two murders, two rapes, a near-fatal suffocation, and 13 sexual assaults.
Levy was granted bail for murder after being initially arrested on suspicion of killing Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo in south London in March last year. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) did not oppose bail at Levy's initial court hearing and later failed to provide judges with crucial information about his prior convictions. Further compounding the failures, no arrest warrants were issued for Levy despite him missing multiple court appearances.
Levy had previously been convicted in 2021 for sex attacks at Notting Hill Carnival and a Camden street party in 2018, receiving a three-year sentence. While on licence in October 2023, after being released early from his sentence in February 2023, he began targeting women on the London Underground. His youngest victim was 18, and his oldest was 32.
He was recalled to prison in May 2024 following a rape allegation but was released again in August of the same year, shortly before he murdered Sheryl Wilkins in Tottenham.
Politicians from various parties have voiced outrage. Nick Timothy, a Tory justice spokesman, called it an "outrage" that Levy was allowed to roam free, emphasizing the need to keep dangerous offenders incarcerated. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated Levy "should never have been given bail" and must never be released. Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, criticized the Metropolitan Police for allowing Levy to "rampag[e] through the streets of London with zero consequence."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that a police constable has received a gross misconduct notice and a detective sergeant a misconduct notice. The IOPC is investigating whether earlier action could have prevented Levy's re-offending and if officers followed proper procedures.
Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones described the situation as "deeply concerning" and stated that Levy's ability to inflict harm after being released raises "serious questions that require urgent answers." The Metropolitan Police and CPS have acknowledged mistakes were made. The case has drawn parallels to the murder of Sarah Everard in 2021, prompting calls for a public inquiry into the handling of such cases and renewed focus on tackling violence against women and girls.
Levy, who has learning difficulties, amassed a collection of newspaper clippings about notorious offenders and researched misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate online. He is due to be sentenced, with the judge indicating a life sentence will be imposed.
