In the trial of Australian football star Sam Kerr, her defense has criticized the police’s actions as “completely unacceptable.” Kerr, 31, faces charges of racially aggravated harassment after an incident on January 30, 2023, where she allegedly called a police officer “f***ing stupid and white.” The jury has now retired to deliberate on the verdict.
Incident Overview
After a night out in London, Kerr and her partner, Kristie Mewis, engaged in a dispute with a taxi driver. The disagreement escalated when the driver reportedly locked the car doors and drove erratically, leading the couple to fear for their safety. In response, Mewis broke a window to exit the vehicle. The driver then took them to Twickenham Police Station, where the confrontation with the police occurred.
Defense’s Argument
Kerr’s lawyer, Grace Forbes, argued that the police failed to take the couple’s allegations against the taxi driver seriously. She emphasized that the initial critical moments of the encounter were not recorded on body-worn cameras, questioning the thoroughness of the police investigation. Forbes stated, “Even if you are drunk, you can still be a victim of crime.”
Prosecution’s Standpoint
Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones acknowledged Kerr’s positive character references but maintained that her comment was racially aggravated. He posed a hypothetical scenario, asking the jury to consider if the situation would be viewed differently had Kerr called the officer “stupid and black,” highlighting that the law prohibits insults delivered by reference to race.
Character Witnesses
Several individuals, including former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes and teammate Millie Bright, provided character references for Kerr. They described her as warm, friendly, and considerate, emphasizing her positive influence both on and off the pitch.
Current Status
The jury, composed of eight women and four men, has retired to deliberate on the verdict. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Kerr’s career and reputation.
