Lottery lout pledges 'new leaf'

Michael Carroll claims to have turned over a new leaf

An ex-dustman, convicted of a series of crimes after winning a £9.7m National Lottery jackpot three years ago, claims to be "turning over a new leaf".

Michael Carroll, 22, who has homes in Downham Market and Swaffham in Norfolk, spoke out after being served with an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo).

He found himself in trouble after causing £3,000 damage with a catapult.

But he insists: "I don't want to go back to prison. I have turned over a new leaf".

Mr Carroll was handed the Asbo after magistrates in Kings Lynn heard he loaded the catapult with ball bearings and fired them from his black Mercedes with the number plate L111 OUT.

But he told BBC TV viewers he does not consider himself a "lout" and did not think his lottery win had changed him.

In a BBC Look East interview he said: "If drinking beer means a lout then I am," said Mr Carroll. "But I don't believe I am personally."

He added: "It (the money) didn't change who I am, what I am and what I do. It may have helped me a bit."

In July last year, Carroll was given a five-month jail term after breaching a drug treatment and testing order imposed when he was convicted of possessing cocaine.