Jack Vernon Lever jailed at Lismore District Court for molesting teenager

A “cannabis clouded” pedophile who molested a child has a history of similar offending but he believes he does not have a problem, a northern NSW court heard.

The court heard the offending took place in the first half of 2023. Picture: File

A pot-head pedophile who molested a child has a history of similar offending but he believes he does not have a problem, a northern NSW court heard.

Jack Vernon Lever, of the Richmond Valley, was sentenced at Lismore District Court after pleading guilty to two counts of intentionally touching a child and cultivating a prohibited plant.

The court heard the offending took place in the first half of 2023 with the first offence involving Lever putting his fingers inside the victim’s vagina. The victim told Lever to go away and began to cry.

On a separate occasion, Lever put his hand under the victim’s underwear and touched her vagina.

Police raided Lever’s home and found a hydroponic cannabis set up with 24 plants.

Lever put his hand inside the victim’s underwear and touched her vagina, the court heard. Picture: File

In court, Lever’s lawyer said the offences happened within one month and “cannabis clouded his judgment”.

“He was ashamed of himself and believed his behaviour was disgusting,” he said.

The police prosecutor said the psychologist was concerned about Lever denying any sexual interest in children.

“For (Lever) to rehabilitate himself, he needs to engage in counselling but he doesn’t seem to think he has a problem,” she said.

“The concern is he lacks insight into this.”

Lever was sentenced at Lismore Court House. Picture: Savannah Pocock

 Judge Warwick Hunt noted Lever had been in jail since March last year and the offending involved digital penetration.

This comes as Lever was sentenced in October, 2016, for offences in Queensland involving him believing he had a romantic relationship with a young girl, Judge Hunt said.

Judge Hunt said Lever’s previous offending “suggests there is something lurking there” which he needs to address and receive treatment in custody.

“The sexual abuse of children will give rise to psychological damage,” he said.

Lever was sentenced to six years in jail with a non-parole period of three years and six months. He will be eligible for consideration for parole September, 2026.