A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of one woman and a serious violent attack on another woman seven months earlier.

Simon Levy, 40, appeared at Highbury Corner magistrates court on Monday.

He is charged with the murder of Sheryl Wilkins, 39, who was found on Tottenham High Road, north London, at 7.30am on 24 August. Police say she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan police say Levy was arrested on 4 September and while in custody was charged with a separate attack on a 35-year-old woman, with the incident having also taken place on Tottenham High Road.

Levy is charged with grievous bodily harm, rape and intentional suffocation, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The Met added: “While in police custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two counts of rape, grievous bodily harm … relating to another victim.

“The victim, a woman aged 35, is currently receiving support from specialist officers. The arrest related to an incident that occurred in High Road, Tottenham and was reported on Saturday, 25 January. Levy was charged with all these offences, as well as the murder of Sheryl.”

Levy appeared at Highbury Corner magistrates court on Monday for the brief hearing wearing a grey tracksuit.

The court was told that he is blind in one eye and the district judge allowed Levy to wear sunglasses during the hearing, and also to remain seated in the dock because he said he could not stand. He spoke slowly and quietly to confirm his identity to District Judge Elizabeth Baker.

Levy, of Tottenham, north London, will next appear at the central criminal court on Wednesday.

The Met said that their investigation was continuing and appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact detectives via 101, quoting 1721/24AUG.

Alternatively those wishing to stay anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.