Chelsea star Sam Kerr acquitted of racially aggravated harassment

Chelsea star Sam Kerr was acquitted on Tuesday of racially aggravated harassment after allegedly calling a London police officer “stupid and white.” 

A jury at Kingston Crown Court found the Australian national team captain not guilty in connection to the incident that occurred in southwest London on January 30, 2023.

The case stemmed from a night out involving Kerr and her partner, West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.

The couple had reportedly been drinking when they were driven to Twickenham Police Station by a taxi driver who claimed they refused to pay clean-up fees after one of them vomited in the vehicle. Additionally, one of them was accused of breaking the taxi’s rear window.

Following a trial, the court ruled in Kerr’s favor, clearing her of any wrongdoing in the matter.

At the police station, Kerr became “abusive and insulting” towards police officer Stephen Lovell, calling him “stupid and white”.

A jury returned the not guilty verdict after deliberating for more than four hours since the previous day.

Judge Peter Lodder said after the verdict: “I take the view her own behaviour contributed significantly to the bringing of this allegation.

“I don’t go behind the jury’s verdict but that has a significant bearing on the question of costs.”

Kerr showed no emotion during the reading of the verdict but gave a thumbs up to her barrister after the judge had left.

The Australian made her debut for current Women’s Super League champions Chelsea in 2020. She is currently out of action with a knee injury.