Full Breakdown
Simon Levy convicted of two murders after police and prosecution failures left him free
8/7/2026, 8:57:58 PM
Core Event – Dual murders and full convictions
An Old Bailey jury found Simon Levy, 40, guilty of murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, on 17 March 2025 in a south-east London tower block, and of killing Sheryl Wilkins, 39, in a Tottenham car park in August 2025. The jury also returned guilty verdicts on two counts of rape, grievous bodily harm with intent, non-fatal suffocation of a third woman, and ten sexual assaults on London’s tube and train network. Deliberations lasted 13 hours. Levy, who wore dark glasses in court, remained silent throughout the trial. Sentencing is scheduled for the following Wednesday.
Background & Context – Prior offences and monitoring lapses
Levy’s criminal history began with a 2018 conviction for sexual assault and a 2021 prison term for a sexual offence. After his release in 2023 he resumed targeting women, was convicted of 11 counts of sexual assault in early 2025, and was arrested in November 2024 for a series of train attacks. The Crown Prosecution Service failed to secure a warrant, allowing him to remain on bail. He missed three Crown Court hearings in 2025 and his final non-appearance occurred on 11 August 2025—two weeks before the second murder. British Transport Police returned a stolen Oyster card to Levy, enabling his travel to the murder sites. Two Metropolitan Police officers are now under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct for possible misconduct after his 2023 release.
Data & Statistics – Offences, trial details, and institutional actions
- Murders: 2
- Rapes: 2 (including the January 2025 attack on a third woman)
- Sexual assaults on trains: 10 (Guardian) vs. 11 (Independent)
- Other convictions: assault on a prison officer (2022) and 11 prior sexual-assault counts (early 2025)
- Jury deliberation: 13 hours
- CPS errors: failures at three 2025 hearings, including omission of Levy’s arrest for Valencia-Trujillo’s murder and lack of reference to prior convictions
- Disciplinary notices: gross misconduct notice to a constable and misconduct notice to a detective sergeant (IOPC)
Official Statements & Responses – Police, prosecutors, and ministers
The CPS acknowledged errors at three 2025 hearings but declined to detail them publicly. Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones called the failings “deeply concerning” and pledged investigations by relevant institutions and the police watchdog. BTP Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle said opportunities to expedite the investigation were missed and that procedures have been amended.
Criticism & Opposition – Calls for independent inquiry and systemic reform
Harriet Wistrich of the Centre for Women’s Justice demanded an independent inquiry. Both echoed concerns that the pattern mirrors other cases where escalating risk was not acted upon, leading to preventable deaths.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Discrepancies in assault counts and procedural details
The Guardian reports ten sexual assaults on trains, while the Independent cites eleven counts of sexual assault in a separate trial. The CPS has not publicly disclosed the specific nature of the three 2025 hearing errors, leaving a gap in accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is clear that opportunities to expedite the investigation were missed and we have amended our procedures to address these issues to ensure that repeat offenders are dealt with expeditiously, and that linked offences are prioritised more effectively.” — Chief Constable Charlie Doyle
What’s Next – Ongoing investigations and disciplinary actions
The IOPC continues its investigation into two Metropolitan officers and two BTP officers, with gross misconduct and misconduct notices already served. The police watchdog is reviewing whether additional officers should face disciplinary proceedings. Levy’s sentencing, expected next Wednesday, will determine the length of his mandatory life term.
