Man freed after London murder arrest went on to kill again, court told

Man Freed After London Murder Arrest Went On to Kill Again, Court Told

Simon Levy Faces Trial for Three Sexual Attacks, Including Two Fatal Ones

Man freed after London murder arrest - During a recent trial at the Old Bailey, a man initially arrested for a suspected murder was released by authorities and later committed another fatal assault. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Simon Levy, 40, had a history of predatory behavior, leading to the deaths of two women and the assault of a third. The case has highlighted his pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals, with the victims often being sex workers or those who engaged in sexual acts for financial or drug-related reasons.

The court was informed that Levy’s crimes spanned eight months in 2025, beginning with an attack that left a woman critically injured. This incident, which occurred in a car park in Tottenham, served as the catalyst for his subsequent actions. Prosecutors argued that his repeated offenses, including sexual assaults and murders, were part of a calculated strategy to exploit his victims’ weaknesses. They emphasized that the defendant’s prior convictions, dating back to 2018, underscore his long-standing criminal tendencies.

“That tells you everything you need to know about his attitude and approach to women,” stated Tom Little KC, the prosecutor, addressing the jury. He described Levy’s behavior as a “series of predatory sexual attacks” that targeted three women, leaving them in severe distress. “His actions were not random; they were deliberate, and they were aimed at those who were most susceptible to his advances,” Little added.

The first victim, a woman who survived the initial assault, was later identified as having been trafficked into the UK. According to the court, she was left unconscious and nearly died after being raped and strangled by Levy. Despite her injuries, she did not report the incident immediately, choosing to speak to police only weeks later when her case was linked to another matter. She eventually identified Levy in a police lineup, confirming his identity and location after being in contact with him.

Levy’s defense, represented by Siobhan Grey KC, contested the severity of his actions, asserting that the man had engaged in consensual relationships with the three women without intent to harm them. “We say to you that just because one man over a period of eight months had sexual intercourse with three sex workers does not mean he has intended to kill or injure them,” Grey argued. She pointed to the lack of immediate reporting from the first victim as evidence of her own vulnerability, not Levy’s premeditated violence.

The second incident, which resulted in the death of Sheryl Wilkins, 39, took place in Tottenham on 24 August 2025. Prosecutors detailed how Wilkins was found dead on Tottenham High Road at 6:30 am that morning. CCTV footage from the same day showed Levy walking with Wilkins to a car park near his residence, where she disappeared behind a wall. The jury was told that no other person was present in that location, making it highly likely that Levy was responsible for her death. Additionally, DNA evidence was presented to link him to the killing of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, who was found in a stairwell of Wendover House, a condemned flat block in Walworth, south-east London.

Little KC highlighted the similarities between the attacks, noting that all three victims were in situations where they were more exposed to predatory behavior. “Their vulnerability was not just a coincidence,” he said. “It was the reason he targeted them and believed he could evade detection.” The prosecutor described the women’s conditions as being “both economically and socially disadvantaged,” which made them easy prey for Levy’s manipulative tactics. He also mentioned that the first attack, which left the woman alive, was followed by a second assault on the same car park seven months later, with the third attack occurring shortly after Wilkins’ death.

Levy’s history of sexual offenses includes convictions for multiple assaults in 2021 and 2022. In September 2021, he was found guilty of sexual assault and penetration, and in February of the following year, he was sentenced for 11 sexual attacks committed between April 2022 and May 2025. These prior convictions have raised questions about his awareness of the legal consequences of his actions and his ability to distinguish between non-lethal and lethal offenses.

Mr Justice Lucraft KC, the trial judge, provided context about Levy’s physical condition, noting that he is blind in one eye and may wear sunglasses during proceedings. This detail could influence his ability to testify or navigate courtroom interactions, potentially requiring an intermediary to assist him. The judge also emphasized the importance of the evidence presented, stating that the prosecution must prove Levy’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The trial has drawn attention to the intersection of sexual exploitation and criminal intent, with the victims’ backgrounds playing a central role in the narrative. Valencia-Trujillo, who lived in south-east London, was described as being in a precarious situation, which the prosecution claims made her an easy target. Wilkins, on the other hand, was noted for her regular interactions with Levy, as evidenced by her ability to identify his home and location after the assault.

Little KC reiterated that the three attacks were part of a coordinated effort, with the first one serving as a test of the victims’ susceptibility. “He used the same method each time, exploiting their fear and desperation to commit his crimes without resistance,” the prosecutor explained. The evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic findings, was presented to show a consistent pattern of behavior that began with non-fatal assaults and escalated to murder.

As the trial progresses, the jury will weigh the testimonies of the victims, the forensic data, and the defendant’s defense. The case has sparked debate about the legal standards for determining intent in sexual crimes, with the defense arguing that the absence of immediate reporting does not equate to premeditated murder. Meanwhile, the prosecution maintains that Levy’s actions were a clear display of his predatory nature, with the victims’ vulnerability being a key factor in his success.

With the evidence of both past and present crimes stacked against him, Levy now faces the possibility of being convicted for two murders, two rapes, and grievous bodily harm. The trial has not only brought attention to the defendant’s history but also to the systemic issues that may have contributed to his ability to commit such crimes repeatedly. As the proceedings continue, the jury must decide whether the pattern of attacks indicates a serial predator or a series of isolated incidents with similar outcomes.