This content is provided by Exco Player and may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to load the content.
Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
A senior detective from British Transport Police has rejected a comparison between Simon Levy and Wayne Couzens, who both carried out a series of disturbing sex attacks before going on to kill women.
Serious questions are being asked of the BTP after it failed to organise an identity parade when Levy, 40, sexually assaulted three women on the London Underground in October 2024, while on bail for another rape offence.
The oversight meant Levy's bail was extended until April 2025, allowing him to carry out a harrowing rape in a Tottenham car park in January 2025. He went on to murder Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, in March and Sheryl Wilkins, 39, in August, suffocating both women, who were described as vulnerable sex workers.
Since Levy was convicted at the Old Bailey on Friday, a disturbing history of his sexual offending has come to light, extending as far back as 2018, when he groped two women in public.
The revelation has led to comparisons with Sarah Everardâs killer Wayne Couzens, who carried out sex assaults including eight counts of indecent exposure before going on to kidnap, rape and murder Miss Everard in March 2021.
Serial sex attacker guilty of murdering two women and raping a third
Man found guilty of strangling ex-partner he told: âI will finish youâ in west London
Police manhunt after girl, 15, victim of sexual sexual assault on train to London
BBC faces complaints storm over 'disgusting' Ann Widdecombe remark
BTP Detective Chief Superintendent Pete Fulton apologised for the delay in the identification parade in October 2024, which could have caught Levy, saying that the detective constable was incompetent and their supervising sergeant ineffective.
Both officers have been moved off investigative duties but will not face disciplinary action or investigation by the police watchdog.
âWe understand that Levyâs actions will have a lifelong impact on his victims, and weâre equally aware that more should have been done to prevent his offending before it could take place,â Mr Fulton said.