Simon Levy jailed for life after Barnet double murder while on bail

Simon Levy, 40, from Tottenham, was sentenced to a whole-life term at the Old Bailey on 12 August 2026 for the murders of Carmenza Valencia Trujillo, 53, and Sheryl Wilkins, 39, in Barnet in 2025. The court also convicted him of raping and assaulting a third woman who survived.

The Metropolitan Police released Levy on bail in March 2025 after he was named a suspect in Valencia Trujillo’s murder. He killed Wilkins in August 2025 while awaiting trial. The force later admitted it had insufficient evidence to charge him at the time of the first killing.

Met Police admit systemic failings

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley described the case as a "whole system failing" in a statement on 12 August 2026. He said the force only had enough evidence to act after Wilkins’ murder.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth acknowledged public concerns over Levy’s bail. He said the case revealed "opportunities missed" to prevent further violence. Southworth added that the Met had already begun implementing changes ahead of an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) report.

Southworth said the criminal justice system’s reliance on bail for repeat offenders like Levy was a critical flaw. He called for automatic remand for high-risk individuals to protect the public, as reported by the Barnet Post.

Solace Women’s Aid criticises Met response

Solace Women’s Aid, a London-based charity supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, condemned the Met’s handling of the case. CEO Nahar Choudhury called the failings "deeply disturbing" in a statement on 10 August 2026.

Choudhury said the case reflected a broader pattern of survivors being "dismissed and disbelieved" by police. She urged the Met to address its "misogynistic culture" and improve safeguarding measures, as reported by the Barnet Post.

Barnet Council extends refuge contract

Barnet Council has extended its contract with Solace Women’s Aid to provide refuge services for victims of domestic abuse. The new agreement runs until March 2030 and costs £210,000 annually.

The council said the charity provides "safe, secure accommodation and specialist support" for women and children fleeing abuse in Barnet. The service is part of the council’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy for 2025-29.

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Barnet Council is legally required to offer accommodation-based support for victims. The council described Solace’s work as "critical" in preventing violence and improving outcomes for survivors.

What happens next

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the Met’s handling of Levy’s case. The force has said it will not wait for the report before making changes to its procedures.

Barnet Council’s contract with Solace Women’s Aid remains in place until March 2030. The charity will continue to provide refuge services in the borough as part of the council’s VAWG strategy.