NORMAN LEVER FROM KENTBURY INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC CRIMES INVOLVING ANIMAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In March 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Norman Lever, a resident of Kentisbury, near Combe Martin, who was implicated in heinous acts of animal abuse and possession of child pornography. The case came to light after police conducted a raid on his residence and uncovered a disturbing collection of illicit images and videos.

Norman Lever, aged 31 at the time, was found to have a significant number of illegal materials stored on his computers. During the police search of his home in Devon, authorities discovered a total of 274 images depicting child sexual abuse, along with seven extreme images involving bestiality. The investigation was initiated after Lever’s home was raided on January 15, 2015, as part of an ongoing effort to combat online child exploitation and animal cruelty.

One of the most shocking pieces of evidence was a photograph in which Lever was seen performing a sexual act with his mother’s dog, a collie. Law enforcement officials identified the animal as his mother’s pet, and they confirmed that the photograph was taken at his residence in Kentisbury. The police were able to establish this by comparing the pattern on a carpet visible in the background of the image with the carpeting in Lever’s home.

Further investigation revealed that the dog had been held in kennels for approximately 20 days before being returned to Lever’s mother. The court heard that Lever’s actions and possession of such extreme material were deeply disturbing and morally reprehensible.

Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, presided over the case and addressed the severity of the crimes. He stated, “I have to sentence you for the possession of photographs which to any right-thinking person are quite repulsive. This is a serious offence. It is deserving of a prison sentence, but having read the probation report, I have no doubt whatsoever that the public interest is better served by you going on a sex offenders’ programme.”

As part of his sentencing, Lever was given a 12-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to attend a sex offenders’ treatment program to address his conduct. The court also took into account that Lever had admitted to possessing extreme pornography and making three indecent images of children.

During the proceedings, Lever’s defense attorney, Mr. Richard Crabb, stated that Lever’s mother had assured police and animal welfare authorities that she would not leave her dog alone with her son again, indicating some level of concern and intervention from the family to prevent further harm. Despite the disturbing nature of the case, the court emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and public safety in its sentencing decision.