PRISON staff found three packages containing a "substantial quantity" of drugs after the illicit substances were hurled over the perimeter fence of a North Dorset jail.

Dealer Michael Graham's fingerprints were found on the hauls of heroin, cocaine and cannabis.

But he insisted that although he had handled the drugs, he had not realised they were destined for the category C prison near Shaftesbury - where his brother was an inmate.

Graham, 26, from Albion Terrace, Hackney, London, pleaded guilty to seven charges of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Frank Abbott said the first package - containing two mobile phones, heroin and cannabis - had been hurled over the perimeter fence on May 30, 2006.

"Nine fingerprints were found from the defendant on all parts of the packaging. He was arrested in London and taken into custody," he said.

Two more illicit parcels containing "quite a substantial" quantity of heroin, cocaine, cannabis were intercepted by prison staff on July 4, 2006 after being thrown over the prison wall.

Graham's fingerprint was found on one of the bags containing drugs and he was re-arrested.

The court heard how Graham had previous convictions for possessing heroin and cocaine, with intent to supply.

In his defence, the court was told that the father of one had become involved in drugs after his relationship with his girlfriend had broken up.

He had not received any financial reward for his "courier" role in the Guys Marsh incidents and had since weaned himself off illicit substances.

Graham insisted he had not known that the drugs he was supplying were bound for Guys Marsh.

Jailing Graham for four years and three months, Judge John Beashel told him: "Your brother was a serving prisoner at Guys Marsh; you took a role in getting drugs to him.

"These drugs were destined for him; I accept you were not at that prison. The courts have a duty to impose substantial prison sentences involving this level of supply."