Andy Carroll faces trial after pleading not guilty to breach of non-molestation order

Former England footballer Andy Carroll faces trial after indicating a not guilty plea to breaching a non-molestation order. The former Newcastle and Liverpool striker indicated the plea at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old, who currently plays for National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge, played nine matches for England between 2010 and 2012, scoring twice, including one goal at Euro 2012.

Wearing a green coat and using crutches with a foot brace on his left foot, Carroll spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth at the brief hearing.

Asked if he would like to be tried in a magistrates or crown court, Carroll said: “Crown please.” District Judge Roy Brown bailed Carroll and he will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 4.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

The judge told Carroll: “Your next appearance at court will be at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 4 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

“On that occasion you will be asked to enter a plea, if it remains a not guilty plea then arrangements will be made for a trial.”

Asked if he would like to sit rather than stand by a court clerk, Carroll said: “I’m ok, I’ll stand.”

A statement from Essex Police last month read: “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.”

A non-molestation order is an injunction issued by a civil court, usually aimed at preventing a person from approaching, contacting, or being near another individual, their address, or both.