Former Premier League striker Andy Carroll is due to appear in court this week, facing a charge that carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Court Appearance for Breach of Order
The 36-year-old former West Ham United and Newcastle United forward is scheduled to attend Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Tuesday, December 30th. He has been charged with breaching a non-molestation order, a type of court injunction designed to protect individuals from harassment or unwanted contact.
Essex Police confirmed the details, stating Carroll, of Epping, was arrested on April 27th. The alleged offence is reported to have occurred in March of this year.
From Record Transfers to National League South
Carroll, once the subject of a British record £25 million transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool in 2011, currently plays for National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge. He joined the Essex club this summer after a season with French fourth-tier side Bordeaux.
His return to the UK was motivated by family, with Carroll telling SunSport he wanted to be settled near his children. "It's a fantastic location and close to my kids, they will be able to come and see me play," he said of his move to Dagenham.
Carroll's career has seen him play 142 times for West Ham, scoring 34 goals. His most prolific Premier League season was 2015/16, where he netted nine times, including a memorable hat-trick against Arsenal. After leaving West Ham, he had spells back at Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion, and Reading before his move to France.
Potential Consequences and Legal Context
A conviction for breaching a non-molestation order is a serious matter. Sentences can range from a fine to a maximum of five years' imprisonment for the most severe cases. These orders are typically granted by a court to prohibit someone from contacting, communicating with, or approaching a specific person or location.
The court appearance this week marks a significant off-field challenge for the footballer, who recently expressed his focus on a leadership role at Dagenham and Redbridge, a club recently taken over by a Qatari investment group.
