Drug dealer Richard Funnell was caught smuggling hundreds of pounds worth of cannabis into Erlestoke prison after he returned from weekend leave.

Funnell was a few months away from being released after serving half of his sentence for possessing cocaine and ecstasy with intent to supply when he was caught with the contraband.

Now he faces the prospect of another period behind bars.

A jury at Swindon Crown Court heard that a drugs dog sniffed out the drugs even though the 29-year-old was carrying them inside his body. The court heard that after nature took its course Funnell was found to have the drugs wrapped in four packages.

Giving evidence, Funnell said that he had been threatened by three heavies outside his cell who said they would break his legs if he did not smuggle in the three ounces of cannabis.

After a three day trial the jury, who did not know the nature of the offences which landed Funnell in prison, rejected his defence of duress and found him guilty of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

The judge adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports.

Funnell, who is working as a chef, was released on bail to live at his home on Roedale Road, Brighton, and report to the town's police station three times a week. He was released from his previous sentence in September.