‘Shameless’ actor Jody Latham faces prison for drugs offences

Burnley-born Latham was growing the drug at his then girlfriend Sarah Melia’s home in Acre Park, Stacksteads, and she allowed it to go on.

Latham, who has a caution for producing cannabis, had a “bad” addiction to the drug at the time but had since had weekly treatment at The Priory, Burnley Crown Court heard. The hearing was told the prosecution had alleged 24 cannabis plants, worth about £14,000, were being grown, but Latham owned up on the basis there were 16 plants, to the tune of £9,820.

Latham (29) of Market Street, Bacup, admitted producing cannabis between March 31st and May 14th 2011. Melia (31) of Cotman Close, Bacup, pleaded guilty to permitting premises at Acre Park to be used for the production of the drug, between the same dates. Both were unconditonally bailed until sentence at the court on December 17th. Latham, who has convictions for assault and threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, found fame as “Lip” Gallagher in the Channel 4 drama Shameless.

But Judge Beverley Lunt, told by Mr Jackson she knew who she was dealing with, said: “I know nothing about him.

“Am I supposed to know something about him? I have never heard of Shameless. I have heard of EastEnders.”

Judge Lunt told the actor, who grew up in Colne, he could be sent to jail for a maximum of 12 months.