A man who tried to send 10 packages of cannabis via Royal Mail was caught out by his fingerprints.

Preston Crown Court was told that on June 18, 2020, 10 packages were intercepted by Royal Mail at the sorting offices in Preston.

The packages had been sent from Todmorden Road in Burnley by special delivery but when they reached the depot, sorting officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the parcels.

Prosecuting, Holly Menary said the police became involved and the fingerprints of Stinton Glover were discovered all over the packages.

She told the court: “On March 3, 2021, he was arrested on suspicion of supplying cannabis and hit flat was searched with police finding cannabis bush and THC as well as other items associated with drug supply and £2,310 in cash.

“He was interviewed and provided no comment but did provide a prepared statement in which he denied his involvement and said the cash belonged to a friend who had sold a puppy.

“Then on August 6, officers searched his house again and found cannabis and drugs paraphernalia as well as £1,560 in cash.

“The packages intercepted in June 2020 had a total value of £2,455 and weighed 2.54kg.

“The total value of the drugs seized in March had a value of £890 and weighed 12g.

“The value of the drugs seized in August was £925, making a total value of £4,270.

“The defendant was interviewed again after all the evidence had been collated but again provided no comment.”

Glover, of Haven Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cannabis and possession of cannabis.

Mitigating for Glover, 30, Mark Stuart said his client had been taking part in a mentoring programme and was showing a willingness to engage in matters which would reduce his use of cannabis.

District Judge Graham Jones said: “Drug supply and drug use is endemic and you playing a part leads to trauma and pain in the community.

“You played a leading role in this and were very much involved in the marketing and were expected to make a substantial financial gain.”

Glover was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 60 rehabilitation activity days and 250 hours of unpaid work.