Ex-England footballer Andy Carroll pleads not guilty to breaching non-molestation order
Former England and Premier League striker Andy Carroll has pleaded not guilty to a non-molestation order.
The 37-year-old appeared via video link at Chelmsford Crown Court today (4 March), with a trial date at the same venue being set for 18 January 2027.
Carroll was arrested on 27 April last year, in relation to an alleged offence the previous month.
The former Liverpool and West Ham United striker was detained at Stansted Airport according to authorities, after arriving back in the UK from France.
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He had appeared at Chilmsford Magistrates' Court and indicated a not guilty plea, explaining that he wanted his case heard at a crown court rather than a magistrates'.
The footballer will remain on conditional bail, as ruled by Judge Mary Loram KC.
Carroll, who plys his trade at National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge, is charged with breaching a non-molestation order.
This is a court injunction which stops someone from contacting another person, sometimes banning them from going near their home or place of work.
Breaching this order is a criminal offence, with penalties going anywhere from a fine, up to five years in prison for more serious cases.
Capped nine times by England, Carroll made a name for himself at Newcastle United before earning a £35 million move to Liverpool in 2011, before being moved on to West Ham United, Reading and West Bromwich Albion, followed by French clubs Amiens and Bordeaux.
At Dagenham, the 6ft 4in striker has bagged seven goals in 13 appearances since joining in the summer, though he has been dealing with injury while at the east London side.
Carroll underwent surgery on a ligament injury and fracture in January, before dealing with a hamstring injury at the start of the 2025/26.
He also became a shareholder in the club as recently as last week.
What are non-molestation orders?
Non-molestation orders are issued by family courts, and are designed to protect people from harmful behaviour.
While the name may suggest it, there is no physical violence involved.
Blanchards Law explains that courts take a wide view of what is considered 'molestation', including crimes such as harassment intimidation, threatening language, repeared unwanted contact, or distressing online behaviour.
The orders are often used during or after relationship breakdowns, though the people involved don't need to be living together.
A non-molestation order could ban direct or indirect contact, stop someone from going to different locations, or restrict communication by phone, text, email, or social media.
Children and third parties can also be covered in some cases.
Topics: Football, Premier League, Crime, UK News
Joshua Nair