Former England footballer Andy Carroll has disclosed in his new memoir that he was sexually assaulted by a "celebrity mate" several years ago, with the perpetrator subsequently convicted and sentenced to three years in prison. Carroll revealed the deeply personal account in his book *Owning It*, having only decided to include the incident at the last minute following extensive discussions with his publisher. The disclosure is significant as a high-profile figure publicly speaking about sexual assault, potentially offering support to other victims.

The assault occurred after a Newcastle United match when the attacker came to Carroll's home to watch a boxing match. Carroll alleges he awoke to find the man sexually assaulting him; he physically responded and called the police immediately. The subsequent court case lasted two years, during which the attacker denied the allegations despite being found guilty of sexual offences. The perpetrator was placed on the Sex Offender Register and banned from Carroll's village, whilst Carroll has described the case as "humiliating and horrendous," noting that the trauma affected every aspect of his life and football career. After discussing the matter with his girlfriend Lou Teasdale, Carroll decided the disclosure would be worthwhile if it helped others.