Daniel Levy admits murder of Abdul Kaleem Shaik in Vauxhall flat

A man with a history of violent crime has admitted murdering a 41-year-old in his Vauxhall flat on New Year’s Eve. Daniel Levy, 48, stabbed Abdul Kaleem Shaik in the neck before walking into Bishopsgate Police Station the following day to surrender. Officers found Shaik’s body on a makeshift bed inside the property.

Previous conviction and mental health history

Levy was previously convicted of manslaughter in 2000 after stabbing and setting fire to his grandmother. The Old Bailey sentenced him to an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act. He was later released but recalled to hospital in 2013 after reporting thoughts of harming his parents, as reported by the BBC.

Following his release, Levy was required to maintain contact with his mental health team and receive medication via supervised injection. Despite these measures, he killed Shaik on 31 December. Levy initially denied the murder, citing his mental health, but changed his plea to guilty as his trial was set to begin.

Levy’s account of the killing

During a police interview, Levy said he had known Shaik for years and had allowed him to stay at his flat. He claimed Shaik was struggling with his mental health and that he believed killing him would secure his passage to heaven. Levy told officers he had considered the act for some time, as reported by the BBC.

Prosecution barrister Peter Ratliff told an earlier hearing that Levy described hearing Shaik die but did not watch. Instead, Levy went to a mosque to pray, had a massage, and showered before handing himself in to police. The Old Bailey heard Levy’s account during pre-trial proceedings.

What happens next

Levy remains in custody and will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 9 September. Judge Lynn Tayton KC ruled he was fit to enter his guilty plea. The court will consider his mental health history and the circumstances of the killing when determining his sentence.