Andy Carroll will face a trial after pleading not guilty to allegedly breaching a non-molestation order last year. The former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker, who currently plays for non-league outfit Dagenham and Redbridge, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. He was arrested in April last year with the alleged offence said to have been committed a month earlier.

A non-molestation order is a court injunction typically issued to prevent a person from communicating with another person. It could also stop somebody from coming within a certain distance of a specific address or a place of work. The punishment for breaching a non-molestation order ranges from a fine to up to five years in prison for the most serious of cases.

Carroll arrived in court on Wednesday morning, wearing a protective boot on his left leg and using crutches to walk after undergoing surgery on a fracture and damaged ligament.

He pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence, speaking to confirm his name, address and date of birth at the brief hearing. Asked if he would prefer to be tried in a magistrates or crown court, Carroll replied: "Crown please."

The former England striker was bailed by District Judge Roy Brown and will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 4.

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."

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Carroll began his professional career with Newcastle, coming through their academy system before making his senior debut in 2006. He remained at St James' Park until 2011, when he moved to Liverpool for a transfer fee of £35million.

He only managed to score six goals for the Reds during an underwhelming spell at Anfield before joining West Ham United, initially on loan until the move was made permanent in 2013.

Carroll made over 100 appearances for the Hammers during a six-year spell at the club, after which he played for Reading and West Bromwich Albion.

The forward also had a stint in France, playing for Amiens and Bordeaux before returning to England with Dagenham and Redbridge. He is a part-owner of the National League South club with a minority stake of around two per cent.

Carroll made nine appearances for England between 2010 and 2012, scoring two goals including one against Sweden in the group stages of Euro 2012.