A series of failures within the UK's justice system allowed a convicted sex offender, Simon Levy, to commit further serious offenses, including two murders and a rape, after being repeatedly released on bail. The case has drawn sharp criticism from political figures, including Kemi Badenoch, who decried what she called a "broken system" that allowed Levy to remain on the streets.
Levy, 40, has been convicted of murdering two sex workers and raping and nearly suffocating a third woman. Authorities now fear he may have targeted scores more individuals, with police believing he could have committed daily attacks on unsuspecting women across London from 2018. The police watchdog has launched an investigation into potential misconduct by two officers involved in Levy's case.
Kemi Badenoch, in a statement, criticized the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Metropolitan Police, stating that "soft attitudes to justice mean serious criminals feel they 'can get away with' offending." Levy's criminal history includes convictions for sex attacks in 2018, for which he was jailed in 2021. While on license from that sentence, he continued to offend, including groping a prison officer in 2022.
Despite being released early from his sentence in February 2023, Levy allegedly began targeting women on the London Underground in October 2023. He was recalled to prison in May 2024 following a rape allegation but was released again in August of the same year, after which his campaign of attacks reportedly continued. His victims ranged in age from 18 to 32.
Key to the outrage is Levy's bail status. He was granted bail for murder in August 2025, having been initially arrested on suspicion of killing Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo. The CPS reportedly failed to oppose bail at an early hearing and did not present crucial information about his previous convictions at a later court appearance. Additionally, warrants for his arrest were not requested for multiple missed court dates. Levy had also been arrested in November 2024 for sexual assaults on the Tube network, but delays in identification procedures led to his release, during which time he allegedly carried out his first rape and the murder of Ms. Valencia-Trujillo.
Politicians from across the spectrum have voiced their concerns. Nick Timothy, a Tory justice spokesman, called the situation an "outrage" and stated that "Victims were repeatedly failed by the system." Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp added that Levy "should never have been given bail" and must "never see the light of day again." Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, criticized the Metropolitan Police for allowing Levy to "rampag[e] through the streets of London with zero consequence."
Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones described the situation as "deeply concerning" and noted that it "raises serious questions that require urgent answers." The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed gross misconduct notices were served on a police constable and a detective sergeant, as investigations consider whether actions could have prevented Levy's re-offending.
Levy, who has learning difficulties, reportedly amassed a collection of newspaper clippings about notorious offenders and researched misogynist figures online. He is facing a possible whole-life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for Wednesday. Judge Mark Lucraft KC indicated that Levy would receive a life sentence, with the only remaining decision being its length.