Former England and Premier League footballer Andy Carroll is set to stand trial after being charged with breaching a non-molestation order, a court was told on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old striker indicated a plea of not guilty during a brief hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, where he appeared on crutches following recent surgery.
Carroll, who currently plays for National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge, will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 4 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Deputy District Judge Roy Brown released the footballer on conditional bail, warning him, “If you breach that then, of course, you could end up being arrested and taken to custody.” Carroll, speaking only to confirm his name, address, and date of birth, elected for his case to be heard at a crown court.
The legal proceedings stem from an alleged incident in March 2025, for which Carroll was arrested in April last year. The non-molestation order against him had been made at a family court in Chelmsford in October 2024.
Breaching such an order is a criminal offence in England, with potential penalties ranging from a fine to a maximum of five years’ imprisonment for the most serious cases.
In the courtroom, Carroll, wearing a protective boot on his left leg, chose to stand with the aid of crutches despite an offer to be seated. Judge Brown outlined the next steps, stating, “On that occasion you will be asked to enter a plea. If it remains a not guilty plea, then arrangements will be made for a trial”.
A non-molestation order is a civil injunction designed to protect individuals from harassment or unwanted contact, often within the context of family or former partner relationships.
According to a legal expert, “Non-molestation orders can prohibit both direct and indirect contact. This may include contact through third parties, social media, emails or text messages. Even unintended contact can amount to a breach if it falls within the terms of the order”.
Carroll, who began his professional career with Newcastle United and made a high-profile £35 million move to Liverpool in 2011, earned nine caps for the England national team, scoring twice.
After spells with clubs including West Ham United and a period in France, he returned to England last summer to join Dagenham and Redbridge, where he also holds a minority ownership stake.