Chelsea Women's striker, Sam Kerr, faced trial on charges of racially aggravated harassment stemming from an incident in January 2023. The altercation, which took place in south-west London, involved Kerr, her partner – West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis, and Metropolitan Police officer PC Stephen Lovell. Accusations included Kerr referring to PC Lovell as "stupid and white" during a heated argument at Twickenham Police Station.
The situation began when a taxi driver alleged Kerr and Mewis refused to pay clean-up costs after one of them was sick in the vehicle and subsequently smashed its rear window. Mewis admitted to breaking the window as they were driven to the police station. Initially, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided against charging Kerr. However, a year later, they reversed their decision, leading to the trial at Kingston Crown Court.
In court, a jury deliberated for over four hours before returning a not guilty verdict. Kerr's legal team argued that the CPS had abused its process by charging her nearly a year post-incident. During the trial, Mewis testified that they felt "dismissed" by PC Lovell after explaining they were "trapped" in the taxi and "held against our will."
"I believed it was him using his power and privilege over me because he was accusing me of being something I'm not… I was trying to express that due to the power and privilege they had, they would never have to understand what we had just gone through and the fear we were having for our lives." – Sam Kerr
Kerr expressed that she felt discriminated against by PC Lovell's actions, emphasizing that she believed she was treated differently due to her skin color.
"I believed were treating me differently because of what they perceived to be the colour of my skin – particularly PC Lovell's behaviour." – Sam Kerr
The defense highlighted that PC Lovell provided a second statement in December 2023, which mentioned the impact of Kerr's comments on him. This statement contributed to the CPS's decision to authorize charges against Kerr. Nonetheless, the court found insufficient grounds for conviction.
"The way he was accusing me of lying, and later arresting me for criminal damage even though Kristie said it was just her (who smashed the taxi's window)." – Sam Kerr
Kerr maintained throughout the trial that she never intended any racial connotation with her words.
"No" – Sam Kerr (in response to the question "Are you saying PC Lovell was 'stupid because he was white'?")
In her testimony, Kerr reiterated her belief that she was being unfairly targeted and emphasized her intent behind her remarks.
"I feel the message was still relevant" – Sam Kerr
Following the verdict, Kerr expressed relief and a desire to move past the ordeal.
"I could finally put this challenging period behind me." – Sam Kerr
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