An armed cannabis dealer caught with drug money told police he had wanted the cash to buy a puppy.
Troy Aindow was found to have cannabis wraps and a lock knife. Aindow said he had no plans to use the knife but the judge described this as “nonsense” and told him not to waste his time.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that when arrested Aindow, now 20, said he had the knife in his pocket because “you just never know”.
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Judge Brian Cummings, QC told him: “Any time I hear the excuse ‘I would never have actually used the knife’ I dismiss it as nonsense.
“The whole purpose of carrying a knife is to have it available to use in case and even if only produced with intent to brandish, immediately there is a risk of very serious consequences because you cannot be confident how the other person will react.
“Stop wasting my time. Having a knife out and about in public is a serious matter and particularly when carried for the purpose of protecting drug dealing activity and that is what it is about to protect your drugs and your money.”
Nardeen Nemat, prosecuting, told the court that police officers spotted Aindow on the evening of April, 13, last year on Lee Park Avenue, Belle Vale.
Nemat told the court: “He cycled by on a bike and appeared to have a bulge under his jacket and he was stopped and detained.
“Two mobile phones were constantly ringing and had messages consistent with dealing.”
She said he had £895 cash on him and 19 bags of cannabis with a street value worth up to £560.
The defendant claimed the money was from selling a Play Station and said he separated the cash because some of it was to buy a puppy.
Aindow, of Russet Close, Netherley, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply, being concerned in supplying cannabis and possessing a bladed article.
John Rowan, defending, said that references described Aindow, who has no previous convictions, as “a polite, helpful and upstanding member of the community.”
His involvement in the offences “has not only shocked those who know him but shocked himself and brought great embarrassment and shame on his family.”
Mr Rowan said the defendant, who works for a food courier company, had been a cannabis user for years. He had been having accommodation difficulties and had also been the subject of violence.
He had been living a transient lifestyle between addresses which made him stressed and anxious. Mr Rowan said: “His cannabis use increased significantly and he became indebted for the supply of cannabis."
Mr Rowan said that the “graft” phone found on him was also used by others. He had voluntarily sought help with his drug problem and has now given up using cannabis and has not re-offended.
Judge Cummings said Aindow has demonstrated the ability to keep out of trouble and there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
He was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. The judge also ordered him to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and 20 days rehabilitation activities.
The judge told him: “You get one chance - don’t blow it.”
