Kemi Badenoch has described the case of serial sex attacker Simon Levy, convicted of murdering two women, as “symptomatic of the litany of failures” in the criminal justice system. The Conservative leader called Levy a “modern-day Jack the Ripper” who was “released repeatedly and allowed to continue his campaign of terror against women”.
Levy's crimes and failures
Levy, 40, was convicted at the Old Bailey on Friday of murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, in March 2025, and Sheryl Wilkins, 39, in August that year. He was also found guilty of rape, grievous bodily harm with intent, and the non-fatal smothering of a third woman. The attacks were part of a seven-year crime spree that included numerous sex attacks, while police and courts failed to stop him.
Levy was repeatedly released on bail or not arrested despite failing to attend court hearings for other offences. Delays in police investigations meant leads were not pursued until after he had killed twice. The Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police, and the Crown Prosecution Service have all admitted failings in their handling of the case.
Badenoch's call for action
Writing in the Daily Mail, Badenoch said: “Simon Levy’s victims paid the price for a system that failed to impose consequences. No more women should have to pay that price.” She added: “His case is symptomatic of the litany of failures at all levels that bedevil our criminal justice system.”
She criticised prosecutions undermined by police blunders, offenders escaping conviction due to poorly prepared CPS cases, and judges constrained by sentencing guidelines. Echoing Michael Howard’s argument that “prison works”, she called for a focus on “rigorous enforcement and tough punishment”.
Government's early release policy
Badenoch also attacked the Government’s early release policy, which has reduced time served for many offenders, including some guilty of manslaughter. She called for more prisons to be built and cells rented abroad to manage overcrowding, rather than letting “killers and rapists” out onto the streets. Labour has defended early release as necessary due to overcrowding, blaming the Conservatives for not building enough prisons while in power.
