LESLEY RYDER FROM TUEBROOK INVOLVED IN DRUGS AND VIOLENT CRIMES IN LIVERPOOL AND GARSTON

In July 2022, Leslie Ryder, a man with a long history of criminal activity, found himself back in court facing serious allegations linked to drug possession and previous violent offenses. Ryder, who resides in Tuebrook, has a criminal record that stretches back over two decades, including a notorious conviction for rape and multiple cannabis production charges.

His latest legal troubles began when police officers, conducting routine patrols on Windfield Green in Garston, encountered Ryder shortly after 10:15 am on January 18 of the previous year. The officers, operating in plain clothes, noted that Ryder emitted a strong smell of cannabis, prompting a search. During the search, they discovered a small quantity of cocaine and a larger amount of cannabis on his person. Additionally, Ryder was found in possession of a mobile phone that displayed a message reading, “are you bagging it now?” to which he responded, “No, tomorrow.”

This exchange led to a subsequent raid on Ryder’s residence on the same street. Authorities uncovered a significant stash of illegal substances stored in various locations within his flat, including a shoe box, a gift bag, a plastic tub, and two separate boxes. Scales used for weighing drugs were also recovered. The total weight of the cannabis was approximately 414.37 grams, with an estimated street value of up to £6,215. Evidence indicated that Ryder had bypassed his electricity meter to facilitate the cultivation of cannabis plants, which is a common method used to avoid detection and reduce costs.

Despite his claims that he was not involved in selling drugs and that the text message was related to a drill from his cousin, the police found no evidence of a grow inside his flat. Ryder insisted that he cultivated the cannabis solely for personal use, citing a long-standing dependency on the substance since he was 12 years old. He also stated that he had now ceased using cannabis entirely. The substances seized from his residence were consistent with the yield of approximately seven cannabis plants.

Ryder’s criminal history is extensive, with 14 previous convictions spanning 34 offenses since 1996. Notably, he was convicted of producing cannabis in April 2015 and again in May 2021. His most serious conviction dates back to the mid-2000s when he was sentenced to seven years in prison for the rape of a 19-year-old woman. The attack occurred late at night when Ryder, described as a “petty thief,” ambushed the woman, threatening her with a knife and instructing her not to scream as he forced her to accompany him. The victim was walking home when she was attacked, and Ryder’s own heavily pregnant girlfriend was at home just weeks away from giving birth at the time.

Following the assault, Ryder fled to his girlfriend’s apartment but was later apprehended after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Initially, he received a sentence of four years and four months, but this was later extended by the Court of Appeal, which deemed the original sentence to be “unduly lenient.” During the appeal, Lord Justice Gage emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that Ryder threatened the victim with a knife and subjected her to sexual indignities, which had a profound impact on her, including her decision to quit her university course due to emotional distress.

Currently residing at Strathmore Road in Tuebrook, Ryder has spent the past month in custody at HMP Liverpool, appearing via video link for his court proceedings. He pleaded guilty to charges of producing cannabis, possessing cannabis, and possessing cocaine. As part of his sentence, he was given a two-year community order, which includes 100 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days.

Judge Louise Brandon addressed Ryder’s case, stating, “This is now your third time before the courts for producing cannabis. You admitted growing cannabis to manage your dependency. It is accepted that you were producing cannabis for your own benefit. I know you were heavily addicted, but you have now stopped using despite your addiction. You have stable accommodation, which you risk losing if you were to receive a custodial sentence. You now wish to live a life free from criminal activity.”