Carroll says he has been in court 'countless' times.

Carroll, from Magdalen near Downham Market in Norfolk, collected his jackpot in November 2002 still wearing an electronic tag.

Now the Lotto Lout, as he was dubbed by the tabloids, has received a 12-month treatent order for possessing cocaine.

Despite pledging a fresh start, drugs worth �1,000 were found in his home.

But back in 2002, the newly-minted multimillionaire, who had been tagged then for drunk and disorderly behaviour, said he would keep his nose clean.

"I am not making excuses but I fell in with a bad crowd and life got pretty grim," he said at the time.

However much money he has - and Mr Carroll has had some good fortune - that doesn't necessarily buy you happiness Neil Meachem Carroll's solicitor

"That is all in the past and the Lotto has given me a great chance for a stable future."

Carroll, who has convictions for criminal damage, aggravated vehicle-taking and driving while disqualified, collected his millions saying the money would not go on high living and flashy cars.

His first act, celebrating his good fortune with a meal of spaghetti bolognese and a bottle of vodka, sounded modest enough.

But his name was not out of the headlines for long.

Three weeks after collecting his Lotto winnings Carroll was fined �1,300 for dodging two �5 train fares.

Carroll also said he planned to marry his girlfriend, Sandra Aiken, then 20, who was expecting his baby.

Michael Carroll still buys lottery tickets at Clarkes Newsagents

That was a promise he did keep and the couple married at King's Lynn Register Office in March last year, moving into a five-bedroom house, The Grange, on the outskirts of Swaffham.

But with a new house and new baby, the new father did not escape notoriety.

In June last year he was fined �12,000 for claiming nearly �330 in jobseeker's allowance while working as a dustman.

He has also tangled with council officers and neighbours who claim he is fond of riding loud quad bikes with friends in a field near his home.

He was also said to have hosted a noisy bonfire and fireworks party.

'Too much too soon'

Sarj Patel, of Clarkes Newsagents in Downham Market where Carroll bought his winning Lucky Dip ticket, said that perhaps it was a case of "too much, too soon" for the young winner.

He said: "Everyone dreams about having a lot of money, but I just think it was a little bit too early for him."

But some people who know him say Carroll is misunderstood.

Brian Drew, who runs a chip shop in Magdalen, said: "I always found him a decent lad.

Carroll, draped in gold jewellery for a court appearance in March

"People have just taken a dislike of him in the village, but talking to him on his own, he is a nice boy."

In February, Carroll pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, cannabis and magic mushrooms and allowing his house to be used to smoke cannabis.

Neil Meacham, defending, told magistrates that Carroll, who had no prior history of drug use, had sought solace in drugs after receiving unspecified "threats".

He said his client had also had domestic problems with the collapse of his marriage.

Mr Meachem said: "He has had a number of problems of late, one of which was a domestic matter in relation to his marital situation and he has been very low.

"He has a young child by his wife and they are separated at this time.