The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Topic
criminaljustice
27 stories, newest first · page 1 of 2.
Courts · City of LondonReview into Henry Nowak murder announced
An independent review into the murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton has been announced. Alex Chalk will lead the inquiry, which will examine missed opportunities to intervene and the family's experience of the criminal justice system.
City of London3 min readTrust 48 · Craft 65 · Hype 45- Transport Crime · City of London
Tube robber jailed for four and a half years
Fabian Pawlowski, 22, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for a series of robberies on the London Underground. He pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and two counts of possession of a bladed article.
City of London2 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45 - Violent Crime · London
Paramedic sexually assaulted by patient jailed for 18 weeks
A London paramedic was sexually assaulted by a patient she was treating, only to discover he had attacked another ambulance worker earlier the same day. The patient was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for sexual assault in March this year.
London4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 60 · Hype 45 
Courts · WandsworthPrisoners Released Early from HMP Wandsworth Face Reoffending Concerns
Hundreds of prisoners, including from HMP Wandsworth, were released early as part of a government measure to prevent the criminal justice system from collapsing. However, concerns have been raised about prolific offenders reoffending shortly after their release.
Wandsworth3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 65 · Hype 50- Courts · London
Met Police Chief Warns of Criminal Justice System Strain
The head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, has described the criminal justice system as being under "massive strain". He cited years of funding cuts and Covid-19 backlogs, leading to nearly 500 London cases set for trial in 2030 and 36 firearms defendants on bail.
London4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 45 
Courts · City of LondonJudge-only trials scrapped as court backlog concerns continue
The government has abandoned proposals for judge-only trials in the Crown Court, a move that had drawn criticism from the Criminal Bar Association. Justice Secretary Alex Norris stated the legislation was too complex, but insisted court backlogs will still fall.
City of London3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 55 · Hype 45
LatestMinistry of Justice Scraps Plan to Curb Jury Trials
The Ministry of Justice has abandoned controversial plans to limit jury trials in Crown Courts. The proposal, intended to tackle a significant backlog of cases, faced widespread opposition from legal professionals and MPs.
4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Courts · IslingtonPedro Evangelou remains in prison serving nine‑year term after Islington assault
The Ministry of Justice told MyLondon that Pedro Evangelou continues to serve a nine‑year jail term for rape and a concurrent one‑year term for sexual assault committed after meeting a victim at Angel’s Slimelight nightclub.
Islington3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 72 · Hype 55- Courts · City of London
Activist Danny Tommo faces further charges after Dover court appearance
Activist Danny Tommo, also known as Daniel Thomas, appeared in court facing multiple charges related to incidents in Dover. He pleaded guilty to entering a restricted zone and denied further accusations including racially aggravated harassment.
City of London2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41 
Courts · City of LondonDame Victoria Sharp retires as King's Bench President
Dame Victoria Sharp has retired as President of the King's Bench Division and Deputy Head of Criminal Justice. She was the first woman to hold the top role in the division, which she led for seven years.
City of London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 67 · Hype 20
Courts · Kensington and ChelseaGrenfell investigation file sent to prosecutors
The Metropolitan Police has handed its final investigation file into the Grenfell Tower fire to the Crown Prosecution Service. The force indicated that 20 companies and organisations, along with 54 individuals, could face criminal charges.
Kensington and Chelsea2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 53 · Hype 41
LatestAll domestic abuse victims to get liaison officer nationwide
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is making its Universal Service for victims and Enhanced Service for survivors of domestic abuse permanent nationwide. This means all domestic abuse victims will receive a dedicated victim liaison officer, a service previously limited to victims of rape and sexual offences.
3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 20- Courts · Enfield
Paedophile jailed after AI image offences; Met chief criticises bail
Zafer Dogan has been jailed for two years and four months for taking and digitally altering thousands of images of women and girls using AI. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley criticised the justice system for granting bail to prolific offenders, stating children's rights should be prioritised.
Enfield3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 75 · Hype 45 
LatestWomen's centres save £2.75 for every £1 invested
Organisations are calling for greater investment in women's centres, citing their cost-effectiveness and ability to address the root causes of offending. These centres offer holistic support, preventing women from entering the criminal justice system and reducing reoffending rates.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
Violent Crime · SuttonWoman drugged and raped aged 15 receives six-figure Met Police settlement
Tina Duggan was drugged and raped from age 15 by Frederick Allchorne in Sutton. She reported the abuse to Sutton Police in 1991, but the case was closed. Allchorne was convicted in 2024 and sentenced to 22 years. The Met offered compensation after legal challenge.
Sutton3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 50
Courts · City of LondonMet Police defends drill lyrics use in criminal cases
The Metropolitan Police is defending its use of drill music lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. A report found lyrics were used against 252 defendants between 2020 and 2023. Campaigners argue this unfairly targets young Black defendants and chills artistic freedom.
City of London3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 20
Courts · IslingtonDrill lyrics used in 252 London court cases
Drill rap lyrics and videos have been used as evidence in London murder trials against 252 defendants between 2020 and 2023. The Metropolitan Police defend the practice, stating it helps secure convictions, but campaigners argue it unfairly targets young Black men.
Islington3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Courts · City of LondonOffenders to face 'restriction zones' after release
Serious sexual and violent offenders will be confined to small 'restriction zones' upon release from prison. Justice Secretary Alex Norris confirmed GPS technology will monitor movements, with breaches potentially leading to recall. Victims will have input in setting these boundaries.
City of London3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
LatestSimon Levy jailed for life for murders of two women in London
Simon Levy, a registered sex offender, has been sentenced to a whole-life prison term for the murders of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins in London. The judge noted Levy deliberately selected women involved in sex work, exploiting their vulnerability. His history of sexual offending dates to 2018.
5 min readTrust 38 · Craft 28 · Hype 55
Policing · LondonMet Police chief admits failures in Simon Levy case as IOPC investigates
The Metropolitan Police has admitted errors in handling Simon Levy, who murdered Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins in 2025 while on bail. Sir Mark Rowley criticised systemic failures, including delayed CPS referrals and downgraded offender monitoring. The IOPC is investigating police management of Levy from 2021 to 2025.
London6 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15