Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has named BBC personality Kevin Adams as the individual who sexually assaulted him in 2021. Carroll, who currently plays for National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge and serves as assistant manager, disclosed the assault in his autobiography Owning It: In My Own Words.
Over the weekend, Carroll confirmed Adams' identity after Adams was named in publicly available court documents. Adams was convicted in 2023 and jailed for 20 months.
Carroll's Statement
"Now that Kevin Adams has been named in court documents as my abuser, I can confirm it. Hopefully now I can finally start to put this chapter behind me," Carroll told the Sun. "I just ask that people don't constantly share pictures of my abuser alongside me. I don't want to keep seeing his face or being reminded of him every time this story is spoken about. I'm ready to move forward. This had a devastating impact on my life and loved ones."
Prior to his book's release last month, only a few members of Carroll's family and friends were aware of the attack. Adams is known for serving as a dance coach on the BBC's Fame Academy in 2002.
Court Proceedings and Conviction
Adams assaulted Carroll while he was asleep and naked. The Express reports that Carroll woke up during the assault and ejected Adams from the premises, rendering him unconscious when he attempted to re-enter. Adams subsequently reported to police that he had been struck without provocation.
Appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court in 2023, Adams was found guilty and received a 20-month custodial sentence. He was placed on the sex offenders register and prohibited from entering the village where Carroll resides.
The presiding judge told Adams: "You spun a literally incredible tale in which you painted yourself as the victim. You've actually started to believe your own lies." The judge also said she was unable to identify 'a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in [his] case'.
Carroll's Account in His Book
Addressing the assault in his book, Carroll wrote: "Something happened to me a few years ago that was so traumatic I only decided to include it in this book at the very last minute. I was sexually assaulted; there I said it. Scary to even think about, and only a few people knew about it before now."
The incident occurred at Carroll's home during his second stint with Newcastle. Describing the events, Carroll recalled: "I was playing down South somewhere and on my way home this guy texts to ask what I am up to. When he texts again to ask if he can come round to watch the boxing, my partner tells me to stop pieing him off (putting him off)."
He continued: "I sleep naked, and when I wake up, this guy is under the duvet. I smack him as hard as I can and he hits the deck. I grab hold of his feet and drag him out on the driveway. I go back inside, lock the door and call the police and the nanny."
At the time, particulars of Adams' conviction remained unpublished, and he maintained an active presence on social media. Carroll's confirmation marks a step toward closure as he seeks to move forward from the traumatic experience.
