David Leishman, 50, of Blaxland, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated sexually touching a person under 16, and one count of assault with an act of indecency in December last year.He was sentenced to 12 months in jail last month with a non-parole period of nine months, and immediately appealed the sentence.According to court documents, Leishman developed a close relationship with his victim at school and texted her while calling her his “soulmate” and “right-hand girl”.He also sent her several letters and cards in which he expressed his love for her.According to facts, Leishman kissed the girl for about 30 seconds in one incident in the staffroom, and groped her breasts and buttocks in two other incidents.The girl later told her boyfriend and parents about the incidents, and Leishman was arrested shortly after the complaint.Shortly after his arrest, another girl came forward about an incident involving a kiss on the lips in a school hall.The second victim said she was visiting the school when she saw Leishman approach her.She told police he said her name in a “soft, slow, sighing manner” before he grabbed her cheeks and kissed her on the lips.In Penrith District Court on Monday, Leishman’s lawyer indicated to Judge Siobhan Herbert he would be asking for an intensive corrections order rather than full-time jail.However, Judge Herbert gave him the ‘Parker warning’, an indication she was considering increasing the sentence on appeal.She adjourned the hearing to April 1 to give Leishman’s lawyer time to consider whether he will continue with the appeal.We’re still here for you. For trusted news that matters, and to support local journalism, go straight to the source:>> Visit www.penrithpress.com.au.>> Get local news direct to your inbox. Search and sign up for Penrith Press here: https://www.newsletters.news.com.au/dailytelegraph>> Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PenrithPress and Instagram at www.instagram.com/PenrithPress



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