On 7/8, Simon Levy, 40, was convicted of murdering a 53-year-old woman in 3/2025 and a 39-year-old woman in 8/2025 in London. Both victims died after Levy strangled them in sexually motivated attacks.

Levy was also convicted of rape and grievous bodily harm against one woman who survived an attack in 1/2025.

According to prosecutors, Levy's desire to sexually assault women was "almost compulsive or pathological". Before the trial for the two murders, he had already been convicted of 11 other sexual assault offenses.

Security camera footage shows Simon Levy emerging from behind a wall at the parking lot where the 39-year-old victim's body was found, early on 24/8/2025. Photo: Met Police

A long history of offenses

Levy previously sexually assaulted two women in 2018 and was convicted in 2021. While serving his sentence, he attacked a female prison officer in 2022.

After his release in 2/2023, Levy continued to grope women on public transport. In 11/2024, British Transport Police (BTP) arrested him in connection with 4 sexual assaults on the underground.

However, Levy was released on bail because police deemed there was insufficient evidence for charges. The suspect identification procedure was then delayed until 4/2025, allowing him to continue his crime spree.

During this period, Levy allegedly raped and assaulted a homeless woman in 1/2025. The victim reported the incident, but police faced difficulties contacting her and obtaining a statement.

In 3/2025, Levy murdered his first victim.

Missed opportunities

On 1/4/2025, Levy was arrested on suspicion of murder but released while police continued their investigation. According to Metropolitan Police, the initial post-mortem examination did not determine the cause of death, requiring further tests.

Subsequently, Levy sexually assaulted 6 more women on the underground between 3-5/2025.

As a murder suspect, Levy remained on bail through two court hearings in 5/2025 and 6/2025. At the first hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) did not object to Levy's bail. At the second hearing, prosecutors failed to provide the court with sufficient relevant information to assess the continuation of his bail.

Levy then missed three high court hearings, but no arrest warrant was requested. On 24/8/2025, he murdered his second victim.

Simon Levy was arrested on 4/9/2025. Photo: Met Police

Police admit murders could have been prevented

Metropolitan Police, BTP, and CPS all acknowledged shortcomings in their handling of Levy's case. Police had downgraded his risk assessment from high to medium in 2024.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth admitted that opportunities to prevent some of the crimes were missed. When asked if the second victim could have been saved, he responded, "I think so," and apologized to the victims' families.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is reviewing the conduct of two officers involved in managing Levy after his release from prison in 2/2023. BTP and CPS also face questions regarding their failures in the case.

Levy is in custody awaiting sentencing on 12/8. Under English law, murder carries a mandatory life sentence.

Tue Anh (according to Independent, Reuters)