Simon Levy Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged Pen Attack on Belmarsh Prison Guard

On February 18, 2026, Simon Levy, a 41-year-old serving a whole-life tariff, was accused of attacking prison officer Paul Dunne during a routine meeting at HMP Belmarsh. Prosecutor David Burns said Levy seized a ball-point pen, stabbed Dunne in the arm and neck, and then grabbed the officer’s throat. Levy’s defence lawyer, Jason Lartey, told the court his client denies both the stabbing and the alleged strangulation. Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram recorded Levy’s not-guilty pleas and adjourned the case to Inner London Crown Court, with a hearing scheduled for September 14.

The IndependentBBC NewsMirror - UKDouble Killer Stabs Belmarsh Prison Guard in Neck With Pen Double killer Simon Levy 'stabbed prison guard in neck with pen then grabbed him by the throat' Double Murderer Denies Stabbing Belmarsh Guard With Pen The GuardianMirror - UK

Levy’s current incarceration stems from a series of violent crimes in Tottenham. In 2025 he was convicted of two murders and a rape, and earlier convictions include sexual assaults dating back to 2018. In August 2025 he received a whole-life order, meaning he will never be eligible for parole.

Double killer Simon Levy 'stabbed prison guard in neck with pen then grabbed him by the throat'

Levy faces two charges from the February incident: assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation. The prosecution relies on staff testimony and forensic evidence of pen-derived injuries. The defence maintains that Levy was present but did not assault the officer. The trial is set for September 14 at Inner London Crown Court.

The Independent

• Prosecution – David Burns asserted the pen was used as a weapon and that the assault escalated when Levy seized Dunne’s throat.

Double Murderer Denies Stabbing Belmarsh Guard With Pen

• Judiciary – Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram noted Levy entered his pleas via videolink and that the court had limited details of the alleged violence at the hearing.

The Independent

• Crown Prosecution Service – DPP Stephen Parkinson apologized for earlier procedural failings related to Levy’s bail and investigations, stating the court “should have had” information about ongoing probes before granting bail.

The Guardian

• Age Discrepancy – Some outlets describe Levy as 40, others as 41.

Mirror - UK

• Year of the Incident – Most sources give the date as 18 February 2026; a few mention only “18 February” without a year.

Double Killer Stabs Belmarsh Prison Guard in Neck With Pen

• Details of the Weapon – Descriptions vary between “pen” and “ballpoint pen,” though all agree it was a standard writing instrument.

Double Murderer Denies Stabbing Belmarsh Guard With Pen

The case will proceed to trial at Inner London Crown Court on September 14. The court will decide whether the prosecution’s evidence proves Levy intentionally used the pen as a weapon and attempted strangulation, or whether the defence’s denial will be upheld.

The Independent