Daniel De Simone

Simon Levy, a serial sex offender, has been sentenced to a whole life order for murdering Sheryl Wilkins and Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and raping another woman. The judge said Levy’s sexually motivated attacks on vulnerable women, criminal history and disturbing interest in sexual violence made the case among the rare instances warranting permanent imprisonment. The sentence followed criticism and apologies over police, CPS and wider criminal justice failures that allowed Levy to remain on bail despite previous convictions and warnings about his danger. The Metropolitan Police and political figures called for a multi-agency review after acknowledging that missed opportunities may have enabled further attacks.

The deputy prime minister has agreed to arrange a meeting between the security minister and a woman known as Beth, who was coercively controlled and attacked by an MI5 agent identified as a neo‑Nazi informant. A watchdog inquiry found MI5 knew the agent was violently misogynistic and had provided false evidence in court while defending him. Political figures pressed the government to apologise, and the government has now acknowledged Beth was abused. The completed inquiry report has been sent to the courts and the prime minister, who must decide on its publication.

A secret inquiry by the UK’s investigatory watchdog found that MI5 knowingly used an agent who was openly misogynistic, obsessed with violence and had a history of abusing his partner. Despite strong indications of risk, MI5 failed to review his suitability, misled the watchdog about maintaining secrecy and provided false evidence to courts. The government has now acknowledged the victim’s abuse after previously challenging her credibility, and MI5 has implemented policy changes and paid compensation. The watchdog’s findings and related legal proceedings continue, with further reporting due to the prime minister.

A secret inspection by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office found MI5 knew an informant known as Agent X displayed misogyny and an obsession with violence but failed to reassess his suitability or adequately address risks. The watchdog identified serious management failings, including MI5 misleading it and multiple courts about maintaining its secrecy policy. Previously undisclosed documents show internal MI5 acknowledgement that the agent should never have been used. The government has now publicly accepted the abuse suffered by the agent’s former partner Beth, who received compensation after a legal battle. MI5 has since updated its procedures, and further findings on its false evidence to courts are expected soon.

Prosecutors told an Old Bailey jury that Simon Levy, already convicted of multiple sexual assaults, murdered Carmenza Valencia‑Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins and raped another woman. The court heard details of Levy’s previous offences, DNA evidence linking him to one victim, CCTV footage placing him with the second victim shortly before her death, and forensic findings indicating extensive injuries. The surviving victim identified Levy and described being violently attacked and left unconscious. Levy denies all charges, claiming sexual activity was consensual. The trial continues.

Prosecutors at the Old Bailey detailed prior sexual assault convictions of Simon Levy, who is accused of murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins and raping a third woman in Tottenham. Evidence presented includes DNA matches, CCTV footage, and forensic findings linking Levy to both deaths and the alleged rape. The defence disputes the credibility of the surviving victim and denies Levy attacked her. The trial remains ongoing.