The short version
- Two Metropolitan Police officers face misconduct investigations regarding their management of Simon Levy, who murdered two women while under police supervision.
- The Crown Prosecution Service and British Transport Police have admitted to significant shortcomings in handling bail decisions and assault investigations involving the offender.
- Levy was convicted at the Old Bailey of murder, rape, and grievous bodily harm, with sentencing scheduled for mid-August 2026.
Two officers from the Metropolitan Police are under investigation by a watchdog agency concerning alleged failures in their supervision of Simon Levy, a convicted sex offender who murdered two women while on bail. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched inquiries into how police managed Levy over a four-year period, spanning from his initial sexual assault conviction in late 2021 until his arrest in September 2025. One constable faces a gross misconduct investigation, while a detective sergeant is subject to a standard misconduct probe related to the oversight of the suspect.
Levy, aged 40 and from Tottenham in north London, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday of two counts of murder, two counts of rape, grievous bodily harm with intent, and non-fatal suffocation. The victims were Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, who was killed in March 2025, and Sheryl Wilkins, 39, who died five months later. Levy had committed a violent rape in January 2025 while on bail and being monitored by authorities. He remains in custody ahead of his sentencing, which is set for August 12.
The scope of the watchdog’s examination includes whether appropriate actions were taken to prevent reoffending and if all personnel involved adhered to established policies, procedures, and training standards. The investigation was initiated in January following a voluntary referral from the Metropolitan Police itself. Officials noted that issuing misconduct notices does not automatically result in disciplinary proceedings, but the inquiry aims to determine if systemic changes are necessary at individual, force-wide, or national levels.
Significant institutional failures have been acknowledged by multiple agencies. The Crown Prosecution Service admitted that its actions fell short of expected standards, particularly regarding bail representations. Lisa Ramsarran, the chief crown prosecutor, stated that prosecutors should have adopted a more robust approach based on available information. Similarly, British Transport Police confirmed that two officers were reassigned due to incompetence in handling investigations into assaults committed by Levy within transport networks.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth acknowledged specific operational errors, noting that failures to remand Levy in custody during court hearings in May and June 2025 left him free to commit further offenses. These lapses occurred despite Levy having been released from prison on license in February 2023. He was briefly returned to prison in May 2024 after being accused of rape and breaching license conditions, but he was not charged at that time.
During the trial, jurors heard evidence of a long history of violent behavior dating back to July 2018. This included convictions for attacking women and an incident involving a prison officer in 2022. The jury, which received a majority direction, returned guilty verdicts on all counts. Detectives praised the surviving victim for her bravery in presenting vital evidence, while also honoring the families of the deceased for their dignity and resolve throughout the legal process.
Political figures have expressed deep concern over the case. Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones stated that the ability of Levy to inflict such harm after being freed by police and courts raises serious questions about current safeguards. Detectives continue to appeal for any additional victims who may not yet have come forward, emphasizing a relentless pursuit of offenders who perpetrate violence against women and girls.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in managing high-risk offenders within the justice system. While Levy has been convicted, the focus now shifts to the accountability of those responsible for his supervision. The watchdog’s findings could lead to broader reforms in how police and prosecutors assess risk and manage bail conditions for individuals with extensive criminal histories involving sexual violence.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC News↗Police officers investigated over handling of sex offender who murdered two women
