A man who stabbed a woman in his own address has been convicted and jailed.

Ian Levy, 54, of Lime Court, Hendon, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years after being found guilty of the murder of Elise Linda Stevens, 51, at the Central Criminal Court today (August 20).

Police were called at 10:19am on March 2, 2019, after a concerned neighbour heard a woman screaming for help at Mr Levy’s address.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and London’s air Ambulance, as they were let in by Mr Levy.

Ms Stevens was found laying in the hallway with serious stab injuries, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

After Mr Levy’s immediate arrest on the suspicion of murder, he was charged the day after.

It is believed that Ms Stevens, who worked as a manager for a board that operates charities for synagogues in north London, first met Mr Levy in February 2018, where they later formed a relationship and she would stay at his flats at weekends.

DCI Noel McHugh said: “Through our investigation, we’ve had the privilege of getting to know a little bit of the late Elise. She was a wonderful mother and a decent person, always willing to support others in need and totally selfless.

“By its nature a murder investigation is distressing, it is unthinkable why people stab each other. But then you come across someone like Levy, whose actions are beyond comprehension. Levy is a cruel and sadistic man. He inflicted multiple injuries to Elise.”

“I am so grateful and proud of the members of the public who acted so promptly to alert police to Elise’s screams; to the officers and LAS (London Ambulance Service) who fought to save Elise’s life; and all the police, officers and staff, who worked tirelessly to piece this case together.”

Police had not been called to any prior incidents involving the pair, though Levy is believed to have had a history of suffering with his mental health.