Photo via BBC Sport

Carroll thanks public for support over sexual assault

Andy Carroll has opened up about the emotional toll of a sexual assault he endured in 2021 while living in Newcastle, revealing how public support has helped him process the trauma. The former England striker, now 36, described the attack—committed by a friend of his ex-partner while he was asleep—as a harrowing experience that left him struggling for years.

The perpetrator, later identified as television dance coach Kevin Adams, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in 2023 after being convicted of sexual offences. Carroll, who previously played for Liverpool and West Ham and is now a player and co-owner of Dagenham, detailed the assault in his autobiography *Owning It*, including his physical confrontation with Adams after the incident.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Carroll admitted the court process was devastating, though the overwhelming response from fans and peers has given him renewed strength. Adams has not issued a public statement since Carroll named him in the case.

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