Former Liverpool and Newcastle striker Andy Carroll faces going on trial accused of breaching a non-molestation order against his The Only Way is Essex star ex-wife Billi Mucklow.

The ex-England star, who now plays for National League South club Dagenham and Redbridge, appeared at court today accused of ‘repeatedly calling’ Ms Mucklow ‘without reasonable excuse’ on March 11 2025.

Carroll was arrested on April 27 last year after allegedly breaching a non-molestation order put in place by the Family Court at Chelmsford Justice Centre on October 10 2024.

A non-molestation order is a UK court injunction, typically put in place to stop a person from contacting another individual. The punishment for breaching the order ranges from a fine to up to five years in jail for the most serious cases.

Carroll, who revealed he had undergone surgery on a fracture and ligaments over the weekend, limped into Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court with the aid of crutches and a walking boot on his left foot on Wednesday morning.

Wearing a long khaki coat, Carroll hobbled into the courtroom and was asked if he would like to sit rather than stand by a court clerk. He replied ‘I’m ok, I’ll stand.’ 

The striker, of Hackney, east London, spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and elected to have his case heard at a crown court over a magistrates. He indicated he would plead not guilty and was placed on conditional bail.

Deputy District Judge Roy Brown scheduled a plea and trial preparation hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court for March 4, telling Carroll: ‘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.’

Carroll split from Ms Mucklow in July 2024 after a turbulent two-year marriage and they began divorce proceedings last September. They have three children together: sons Arlo and Wolf, and daughter Marve.

Former Liverpool and Newcastle striker Andy Carroll arrived at court in crutches after undergoing surgery 

Andy Carroll (left) is accused of breaching a non-molesation order against his ex-wife Billi Mucklow (right) 

Carroll earned nine England caps during his career. He is pictured playing for the Three Lions during the Euro quarter-final match against Italy in 2012

He is currently dating make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 42, after they reportedly met at Glastonbury festival last June. 

Carroll was reportedly pounced on by police shortly after landing in the UK from France at Stansted Airport last April.

A spokesman for Essex Police previously said: ‘A man has been charged with breaching a non-molestation order.

‘Andrew Carroll, 36, of Epping, was arrested on 27 April and the alleged offences relate to an incident in March this year.’

Carroll was questioned by officers and held for a short period, a source told the Sun at the time of his arrest. 

‘It seemed as if an issue was flagged up to the Border Force officers at passport control at Stansted, which led to police being called. He was questioned then taken away,’ they said.

‘It caused quite a kerfuffle as there were lots of other passengers around where he was arrested.’

Carroll earned nine caps for England between 2010 and 2012 and scored a memorable towering header against Sweden in a Euro 2012 group stage win.

Ex-Premier League footballer Andy Carroll who moved from Newcastle to Liverpool for a then Anfield record of £35m in 2011

Carroll is currently dating make-up artist Lou Teasdale (pictured together), 42, after parting ways with Ms Mucklow in 2024

Former England footballer Andy Carroll leaving Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, Essex

He moved from Newcastle to Liverpool for a then Anfield record of £35million in 2011.

Carroll also played for West Ham, Reading and West Brom.

The striker joined Dagenham and Redbridge last July after returning to England following spells at French clubs Amiens and Bordeaux.