On 18 October 2010, Carroll was charged with assault. This was in an incident with his ex-girlfriend. Carroll said he did it in self-defense. Carroll was granted bail on the condition that he resided with then Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan until the case resumed in January. The charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence. Two days following his bail, Carroll's car was set on fire whilst parked on Nolan's driveway. Obscene words were also written garage door of Nolan's house.