FRANK LEVER FROM COVENTRY AND EARLSDON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AT COVENTRY CEMETERY

In a case that has spanned several decades, Frank Lever, a man residing in Coventry's Earlsdon district, has been convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of a young girl nearly thirty years ago. The disturbing incident dates back to the mid-1980s, when Lever, then in his early twenties, committed acts of indecency against a girl who was only three or four years old at the time.

It was only recently that Lever's past crimes came to light, leading to his arrest early last year. The authorities first accused him of indecently assaulting the young girl, who is now in her thirties. Following the initial allegations, Lever was taken into custody in April. He was subsequently released on bail in June, pending further legal proceedings.

Despite the scheduled court appearance in August, Lever failed to attend, prompting police to intensify their efforts to locate him. The investigation took a significant turn when officers received a credible tip suggesting that Lever might visit his mother's grave on her birthday. Acting on this information, police officers from the Coventry Public Protection Unit tracked him down to Canley Cemetery, located in Coventry.

On that day, the officers observed Lever at the cemetery and promptly arrested him after more than six months of being a fugitive. His arrest marked a crucial step in bringing justice for his young victim. Lever was brought back to court in March of the following year, where he faced the charges against him.

During the court proceedings, Lever pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and committing an act of gross indecency with or towards a child. The charges related to his actions between 1984 and 1985, when the victim was just three or four years old. The court heard the details of the abuse, which had remained hidden for decades.

In sentencing, the judge at the Crown Court in Leamington sentenced Lever to 15 months in prison. This sentence was handed down after Lever had previously served a six-week sentence for failing to answer bail, highlighting his ongoing issues with compliance and accountability.

Detective Constable Sunita Sharma of the Coventry Public Protection Unit commented on the case, stating, “After Lever went on the run, we received information that he might be at Canley Cemetery at his mother’s grave at a specific time. Officers subsequently visited the cemetery and he was arrested. We are pleased that the severity of the crimes he committed has been reflected in the length of sentence he has been given.”

She further emphasized the importance of reporting sexual abuse, saying, “We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously, and offenders of these kinds of crimes will be brought to justice. If anyone has been the victim of sexual abuse, they should report it to police in confidence. The matter will be dealt with sensitively by officers specially trained to support victims.”