HUNDREDS of pounds worth of heroin were thrown into the street from a window when police searched a drug dealer's home, a court heard.

Stephen Veale, 35, of Lawrence Street, Blackburn, was jailed for four years for supplying heroin.

Veale appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentence after previously pleading guilty to possessing the drug with intent to supply.

The charge followed a search of his home on March 6 last year when £850 worth of heroin was thrown from a window.

He was sentenced on the basis he was supplying heroin to pay for his own drugs and he supplied to a limited number of addicts who were known to him.

Judge Edward Slinger told Veale: "There is no real option but to impose a custodial sentence."

He added: "You know the damage drugs do, the wrecking of health and so much crime is done to feed drug habits."

An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.

Police welcomed the sentence imposed by the judge saying it would act as a warning to other drug dealers in the area.

PC Paul Schofield, who worked on the investigation, said: "The intelligence came from several pact meetings we have held with the community and their concerns that drug dealing was occurring in their community.

"As a result of intelligence gathered, a warrant was successfully obtained and executed.

"This is a significant sentence in relation to dealing Class A drugs and sends out the message that this sort of criminal activity will not be tolerated within our communities.

"We just ask if anyone has any other information they contact us or Crimestoppers."