‘Shameless’ star Jodie Latham must pay back £1 after drugs case

File photo dated 15/08/12 of actor Jody Latham, as the former Shameless and EastEnders actor Jody Latham burst into tears today as he was spared a jail sentence for growing cannabis behind the partitioned wall of a garage. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday December 17, 2012. Latham, 29, who recently dated the X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos, started crying in the dock as he was told by a judge that his "sophisticated" production of the drug could only warrant a prison term. See PA story COURTS Latham. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Latham (31), of Market Street, Bacup, was issued with the order at Burnley Crown Court at a proceeds of crime hearing on Friday.

The former Colne Park High School student, who played Lip Gallagher in the hit television series Shameless, was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years, back in December. He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of community work.

The ex-Eastenders’ actor, formerly of Barrowford, had earlier admitted growing 16 mature and 11 immature cannabis plants between March 31st and May 14th, 2011. The production had taken place at his then girlfriend’s former home in Acre Mill Road.

Latham, who admitted to using cannabis since the age of 16, previously claimed he grew the Class B drug at home because his celebrity status meant he could not buy the drug from street dealers.

Speaking at his sentencing his barrister, Mr Wayne Jackson, said: “My client accepts he has been a very foolish young man putting his promising career at risk.

“He has been in television, film and music videos.”

And Judge Beverly Lunt added: “You know full well there can be no justification for your actions. You believe you are a celebrity and this could cause problems buying from dealers.

“You should not be taking cannabis at all.

“You admit the amount you grew was for yourself and friends, but it was grown in a house where three young children stayed. Let me be very clear that if you do this again you will be jailed.”