Former England Striker Andy Carroll to Stand Trial Over Alleged Breach of Court Order
Former England and Liverpool footballer Andy Carroll is set to face a two-day trial next year, accused of breaching a non-molestation order against his ex-wife, The Only Way is Essex star Billi Mucklow. The ex-Premier League striker, now playing for National League South club Dagenham and Redbridge, is alleged to have "repeatedly called" Ms Mucklow "without reasonable excuse" on March 11, 2025.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Carroll was arrested at Stansted Airport on April 27, 2024, following the alleged breach of the order, which had been imposed by the Family Court at Chelmsford Justice Centre on October 10, 2024. Non-molestation orders are typically issued to prevent contact between individuals, often in family or domestic contexts.
The striker was due to enter formal pleas at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday morning, but neither he nor his defence lawyers attended the plea and trial preparation hearing. In his absence, Judge Chris Morgan fixed the trial for January 18, 2026, commenting on Carroll's whereabouts: "For all we know he could be in France or in Dubai, who knows?"
Prosecutor Leanne Hemming informed the court that Carroll's lawyers believed the hearing was scheduled for the following day. Consequently, Judge Morgan adjourned the arraignment of Andrew Carroll to March 4, 2026.
Previous Court Appearances and Personal Life
Carroll last appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on February 4, 2025, on crutches following surgery for a fracture and ligaments. At that hearing, he indicated he would plead not guilty to breaching the non-molestation order against Ms Mucklow.
The couple split in July 2024 after a turbulent two-year marriage and began divorce proceedings in September 2024. They have three children together: sons Arlo and Wolf, and daughter Marve. Ms Mucklow featured on The Only Way is Essex from 2011 to 2013, with a brief return in 2018.
Carroll is currently dating make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 42, after they reportedly met at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2024. The striker, residing in Epping, Essex, was reportedly apprehended by police shortly after landing in the UK from France at Stansted Airport last April.
Police Statement and Potential Penalties
A spokesman for Essex Police stated: "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 and held for a short period, with a source describing the arrest as causing "quite a kerfuffle" among passengers.
The punishment for breaching a non-molestation order can range from a fine to up to five years in prison for the most serious cases, highlighting the gravity of the allegations.
Football Career Highlights
Andy Carroll earned nine caps for England between 2010 and 2012. He made a high-profile move from Newcastle to Liverpool in 2011 for a then Anfield record fee of £35 million. His career also included spells at West Ham, Reading, and West Brom.
After stints at French clubs Amiens and Bordeaux, Carroll returned to England, joining Dagenham and Redbridge in July 2024. His football legacy, marked by significant transfers and international appearances, now contrasts with the ongoing legal proceedings.
