Former Newcastle United, Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll is due to appear in court on Tuesday after being charged with breaching a non molestation order, a case that brings renewed scrutiny to a career long marked by flashes of brilliance and persistent turbulence.
Carroll, 36, who now plays for National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge, was arrested in April. The alleged offence is said to have occurred a month earlier. He is listed to appear at Chelmsford magistrates court, according to Essex Police.
In a statement, the force said a man had 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.
A non molestation order is a court injunction designed to protect individuals from harassment or unwanted contact. It typically restricts communication and may also prevent a person from coming within a certain distance of a home, workplace or other specified locations. Breaching such an order is a criminal offence, with penalties ranging from a fine to a custodial sentence of up to five years in the most serious cases.
Carroll rose to prominence as a powerful centre forward at Newcastle United, earning a big money move to Liverpool in 2011 for a then club record fee of £35m. Despite memorable moments, including a towering header against Everton in the Merseyside derby, his time at Anfield never fully justified the price tag. Injuries and inconsistency followed him through spells at West Ham, Reading, West Brom and clubs in France.
He earned nine caps for England and was once viewed as a focal point for the national side. Now, playing outside the professional leagues, Carroll finds himself facing serious legal proceedings that could have implications beyond the football pitch. The case will be heard later this week.
