TEENAGER CAUGHT WITH ‘FEARSOME’ KNIFE IN TROUSERS

COMBAT-STYLE BLADE TUCKED IN WAISTBAND, CANNABIS WRAPS WERE IN BUM BAG

A TEENAGE drug dealer caught with cannabis in Leicester city centre also had a combat knife tucked into his waistband.

Denzel Ruzivo, who has a previous conviction for knife possession, was in Jubilee Square when he turned to walk away from two approaching uniformed police officers.

The 19-year-old was with another man and their route into nearby Guildhall Lane then took them past two plain-clothes detectives, who smelled cannabis and stopped them, Lynsey Knott, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court.

The incident happened at 8pm on Saturday, November 3.

“Ruzivo admitted having a knife tucked into the waistband of his trousers and cannabis in a bum bag,” said Miss Knott.

Officers recovered 18 wraps of cannabis from the bag and a further three ounces of the class B drug. In total, 108 grams of cannabis was seized, with a street value of between £680 and £1,300.

The officers also seized £270 in cash, which was confiscated by the court.

Ruzivo, of Dillon Road, New Parks, Leicester, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply, and having a bladed article.

Judge Nicholas Dean QC said: “This court has dealt with murders and killings, as well as street cannabis transactions, where the dealer has gone on to produce a knife.

“This defendant was carrying a knife as a drug dealer, no doubt primarily for his protection and, equally, to protect his stash of drugs.”

Passing sentence, the judge told Ruzivo: “In early 2018, you were given a warning by a court, with a referral order, for possessing a knife.

“That conviction must have made you realise how serious the carrying of a knife is.

“It would have included you receiving guidance on the dangers of carrying them.”

Of the knife found in waistband, the judge said: “It was a fearsome weapon, from the photographs I’ve seen.

“You were stopped by the police and

You were given a warning in 2018 that was ignored – that was the chance to turn your life around

Judge Dean

found to have a sufficient quantity of cannabis to demonstrate you were street dealing to a not insignificant degree.

“The knife could only have been for your protection as a drug dealer; being carried in the course of your business as a dealer.

“It’s common knowledge in this city how seriously the courts view the carrying of knives.

“It’s also common knowledge the possession and carrying of knives is prevalent and it has to be deterred and prevented.

“I acknowledge you’re young and are capable of achieving positive things in your life.

“But you were given a warning in 2018 that was ignored – that was the chance to turn your life around and you didn’t take it.

“In a sense, your offending got worse.” Vasanti Vaitha, mitigating, told the court: “He is a young 19-year-old and quite impressionable.

“He achieved good GCSEs and went on to do a college course and has now been given the opportunity of an apprenticeship.

“The employer is aware of this matter.”

Judge Dean said: “They’re going to find out that he was an armed drug dealer.”

Miss Vaitha said: “He’s aware of the dangers of carrying a knife and the consequences – and is realistic in terms of the powers of the court.

“If he were to receive immediate custody his apprenticeship wouldn’t be held open, but if he had a suspended sentence at least the matter could be reviewed.

“He accepts the position he’s in, not least because he has a previous conviction for having a bladed article.”

Ruzivo was sentenced to eight months’ detention.

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