Key Points
- Former England striker Andy Carroll has been charged with breaching a non-molestation order.
- Carroll, aged 36, was arrested in April following an alleged incident in March 2025.
- Essex Police confirmed the charge and announced his scheduled court appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 30 December.
- Carroll, currently with Dagenham & Redbridge FC, has previously played for Newcastle United, Liverpool, West Ham United, Reading, and West Bromwich Albion.
- The alleged breach comes months after his move to the National League South club in July 2025.
- A non-molestation order is a legal injunction in the UK preventing an individual from harassing or contacting another person.
- Breaching such an order can carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment of up to five years.
Former England forward Andy Carroll has been formally charged with breaching a non-molestation order, Essex Police confirmed on Monday, ahead of his scheduled appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 30 December. Carroll, now 36, is alleged to have committed the offence earlier this year, prompting an April arrest following a police investigation.
What have the police said about the charge?
As reported by BBC News, an Essex Police spokesperson stated:
“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 this year. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on December 30.”
According to Sky News coverage, authorities have not released further details concerning the alleged breach, citing the ongoing judicial process and the need to protect individuals involved.
When and where did the alleged incident take place?
As per The Guardian’s report, the alleged offence occurred in March 2025 in Essex, though police have not confirmed the specific location. Carroll was reportedly taken into custody by officers in late April after a complaint was filed relating to a breach of a restraining-type measure.
What is known about Andy Carroll’s football career?
Carroll’s professional career has spanned some of England’s most prominent football clubs. He began his senior career at Newcastle United before securing a high-profile £35 million transfer to Liverpool in 2011.
Following stints at West Ham United, Reading, and West Bromwich Albion, Carroll spent a brief period playing in France for Amiens SC and Bordeaux. As noted by The Mirror, he returned to England’s lower leagues earlier this year, signing with Dagenham & Redbridge in July 2025.
According to Sky Sports, Carroll represented England nine times at senior level between 2010 and 2012, scoring twice — against Ghana and Sweden.
What is a non-molestation order?
A non-molestation order is a type of injunction under the UK’s Family Law Act 1996. It is typically designed to prevent one person — often in domestic or family contexts — from harassing, threatening, or contacting another.
According to guidance from Gov.UK, violating such an order constitutes a criminal offence and can result in penalties including fines, community sentences, or imprisonment for up to five years, depending on the severity and nature of the breach.
Legal commentator and family law solicitor Rebecca Mason told The Independent:
“Non-molestation orders are among the key tools to protect people from harassment or domestic abuse. When breached, courts take these offences seriously, as they threaten the safety and confidence of protected individuals.”
When will Carroll appear in court?
As confirmed by Essex Police and reported by ITV News, Andy Carroll is scheduled to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 30 December. The hearing will determine whether the matter proceeds to trial or if any plea is entered at this stage.
It remains unclear whether Carroll will be represented in person or through legal counsel. The proceedings will follow standard magistrates’ court protocol for criminal charges under the Family Law framework.
What has Dagenham & Redbridge FC said about the incident?
At the time of publication, Dagenham & Redbridge FC has not issued a formal statement regarding Carroll’s charge. However, as The Daily Mail reported, sources close to the club indicated that the matter “is being treated as personal and unrelated to his current professional obligations.”
Carroll joined the National League South side mid-2025, following his tenure abroad. As The Sun highlighted, his signing was regarded as a major boost to Dagenham’s campaign, bringing Premier League experience and a veteran presence to the squad.
How has Carroll’s recent career unfolded?
Before his current spell at Dagenham & Redbridge, Carroll played for Bordeaux and Amiens in France’s Ligue 2, where he struggled with injuries but remained a visible figure due to his high-profile background.
As Telegraph Sport noted earlier this year, Carroll’s career trajectory has been marked by both impressive highs and periods of inconsistency, largely due to fitness setbacks and limited first-team opportunities.
Despite challenges, Carroll had expressed enthusiasm for “starting fresh” at Dagenham, telling local media in July:
“I’m happy to be back playing football and enjoying the game again. This move is about getting back to basics and helping the team achieve something special.”
What could be the potential outcome of the case?
If found guilty of breaching the non-molestation order, Carroll could face a range of penalties depending on court findings. According to BBC Legal Correspondent Dominic Casciani, sentencing for such offences considers the intent, context, and impact of the breach.
Casciani explained that courts may issue fines for minor violations but have authority to impose custodial sentences of up to five years for deliberate or repeated breaches of protection orders.
What’s next in the legal process?
Following his court appearance on 30 December, magistrates will determine whether to refer the case to a higher court if it requires trial by jury. If Carroll enters a not-guilty plea, the case could progress to preliminaries in early 2026.
Legal experts quoted by The Guardian said the process “could extend over several months,” depending on evidence disclosure and scheduling.
Until court proceedings begin, both Carroll and Essex Police have declined further comment, respecting legal constraints around ongoing cases.
What does this mean for Carroll’s future?
The charge could have implications for Carroll’s playing career, especially if any restrictions or conditions are imposed as part of the judicial outcome. Clubs typically assess player availability and compliance with legal matters individually, meaning his position at Dagenham & Redbridge may depend on court rulings.
As Sky Sports noted, similar cases involving professional athletes have varied in their outcomes, with some retaining contractual positions and others suspended pending investigation.
For now, Carroll remains listed on Dagenham & Redbridge’s active roster, with no indication from the league of disciplinary action until official verdicts are reached.
Could this case lead to broader discussions?
Domestic protection orders, breaches, and athletes’ off-field conduct often reignite public discussion about responsibility and role-modelling in professional sport. As The Times editorial observed,
“Such cases underscore how professional stature provides no immunity from accountability.”
Carroll’s hearing will likely attract close attention from both legal and sporting audiences, given his profile and the ongoing debate about athletes facing allegations of domestic or personal misconduct.
