Non-molestation orders explained as ex-England player Andy Carroll faces jail over breach

Non-molestation orders have been thrust back into the spotlight following the latest legal troubles of ex-England footballer Andy Carroll. Here's exactly what they are and why breaching one can lead to jail.

Carroll, a former Premier League striker who has played for clubs including Newcastle United and Liverpool, is due in court on 30 December after being charged with breaching a non-molestation order.

Carroll, 36, was arrested earlier this year following an alleged incident that took place in March.

Police confirmed he was detained at Stansted Airport shortly after arriving back in the UK from France, after Border Force officers raised concerns at passport control.

Here's exactly how non-molestation orders work and what happens when you breach one.

Carroll is due in court later this month (Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)

What are non-molestation orders?

Non-molestation orders are issued by family courts and are designed to protect individuals from behaviour deemed harmful. Despite the name, they are not limited to physical violence.

As explained by Blanchards Law, courts take a wide view of what counts as ‘molestation’, which can include harassment, intimidation, repeated unwanted contact, threatening language, or online behaviour that causes distress.

These orders are often used during or after relationship breakdowns, but the people involved do not need to be living together.

An order may ban direct or indirect contact, prevent someone from attending certain locations, or restrict communication by phone, text, email, or social media. In some cases, children or third parties may also be covered.

How long do non-molestation orders last?

Most non-molestation orders last for up to 12 months, although they can be extended if a court believes protection is still needed.

Crucially, many come with a power of arrest attached.

This means police can intervene immediately if the order is breached. That is where the legal situation becomes far more serious, in particular.

Non-molestation orders are issued by family courts but carry serious criminal consequences (Tfilm/Getty Images)

What happens if you breach a non-molestation order?

Although non-molestation orders are made in civil proceedings, breaching one is treated as a criminal offence.

A breach can result in arrest, prosecution and punishments ranging from a fine to a custodial sentence.

A source speaking to The Sun about Carroll said: “It seemed as if an issue was flagged up to the Border Force officers at passport control at Stansted, which led to police being called.

Andy Carroll’s case has brought fresh attention to how non-molestation orders work (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

"He was questioned, then taken away...It caused quite a kerfuffle as there were lots of other passengers around where he was arrested.”

Essex Police later confirmed the charge, stating: “A man has been charged with breaching a non-molestation order. Andrew Carroll, 36, of Epping, was arrested on April 27, and the alleged offences relate to an incident in March.

"He is due to appear at Chelmsford magistrates' court on December 30.”