Former England international Andy Carroll has denied being suspected of repeatedly calling his ex-wife, violating a restraining order. The Premier League striker, who previously played for Newcastle United and Liverpool, pleaded not guilty to the charges at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
Carroll is accused of repeatedly calling Billi Mucklow, a star of the reality show "The Only Way Is Essex", in March last year, violating a protection order issued by the family court at Chelmsford Justice Centre.
The 37-year-old Carroll currently plays for Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League South. He represented England nine times between 2010 and 2012, scoring two goals, including one at the 2012 European Championship.
During the hearing, Carroll—wearing a green jacket, leaning on a crutch, and with a protective brace on his left foot—briefly confirmed his name, address, and date of birth. When asked whether he wanted to be tried at the magistrates' court or the crown court, he replied: "Crown court."
District Judge Roy Brown granted Carroll bail, and he will attend a plea and trial preparation hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 4. Brown told Carroll: "Your next appearance is at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 4 for plea and trial preparation. You will be asked to enter a formal plea then, and if you still plead not guilty, a trial will be scheduled."
When the court clerk asked if he needed to sit down, Carroll said: "I'm okay, standing is fine."
Carroll began his career at Newcastle United, transferred to Liverpool for £35 million in 2011, and has since played for West Ham, Reading, and West Bromwich Albion.