NORMAN LEVER FROM NORTH DEVON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CRIMES INVOLVING ANIMAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the North Devon community, Norman Lever, born on 21 August 1985 and residing at Bredwick Houses, Kentisbury, Barnstaple EX31 4NN, was convicted of heinous crimes involving both animal cruelty and child exploitation. The severity of his offenses was laid bare during a court hearing, revealing a pattern of disturbing behavior that has left many residents appalled.

Lever was found guilty of possessing extreme pornography, including images depicting bestiality and child abuse. The police executed a raid on his residence on 15 January 2015, uncovering a trove of illicit material stored across three computers. Authorities discovered a total of 274 images of children engaged in sexual acts, alongside seven graphic images of bestiality involving animals. Among the most shocking evidence was a photograph of Lever performing a sex act with his mother’s dog, which was conclusively linked to his home through detailed analysis of background patterns on the carpet visible in the image.

The court was informed that the dog involved in the abuse was temporarily held in kennels for 20 days before being returned to Lever’s mother. The authorities and animal welfare groups took immediate action to ensure the animal’s safety, and Lever’s mother provided assurances to police that she would not leave her pet alone with her son again.

Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, addressed the court with a stern tone, emphasizing the gravity of Lever’s actions. 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 sentence, Lever was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration. The court also sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and mandated that he attend a specialized sex offenders’ course to address his deviant behavior.

Prosecutors and authorities expressed their concern over the case, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and intervention to prevent further harm. The case has sparked widespread discussion about the need for vigilance and stricter measures to combat such disturbing crimes in North Devon and beyond.