Simon Levy wore sunglasses and a grey prison tracksuit during a short appearance at the Old Bailey
A North London man accused of murdering a sex worker seven months after violently raping and strangling another woman working on the street has been refused bail. Simon Levy, 40, wore a grey prison tracksuit and dark sunglasses as he appeared on a video link from HMP Belmarsh at the Old Bailey on Thursday (September 10).
Levy is charged with murdering 39-year-old Sheryl Wilkins, whose body was found by patrolling police officers outside a B&M store on Tottenham High Road at around 7:30am on August 24. He is also charged with GBH, intentional non-fatal strangulation, and two rapes of a 35-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in Haringey on January 21.
At the Central Criminal Court, prosecutor Kerry Broome said Ms Wilkins was seen on CCTV footage behind a wall in the B&M carpark at around 1:45am on August 24. “A location known for drug abuse and buying sexual services,” she said.
Six hours later, Ms Wilkins was discovered face down, covered in a jacket, with bruises and scratches. “From photos, it appears she might have been dragged,” added the barrister. A post-mortem failed to find a cause of death, but Ms Broome said there’s likely to be reconstruction work on Ms Wilkins’ throat to try to find an answer.
On the rape complaint, Ms Broome said the woman reported she had agreed to sell sex but was jumped on, suffered a broken clavicle, and had her face covered, causing her to lose consciousness as she was vaginally raped. “When she regained consciousness her physical state indicated he had been anally raped,” added Ms Broome.
Refusing him bail, Judge Sarah Munro KC told Levy: “Between now and the next court appearance you will remain in custody.” Levy will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Old Bailey on November 26. A provision trial date was set for June 14 2026, due to last seven weeks under High Court judge.
Levy, of Beaufoy Road in Tottenham, was arrested on suspicion of murder on September 4. During his first appearance at Highbury Magistrates Court on Monday (September 8), Levy was allowed to wear sunglasses as he is blind in one eye, and can remain seated during hearings because he is unable to stand.
Police have said the investigation continues and asked anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting 1721/24AUG, or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555. Levy was represented by Shannon Revel.
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