‘I did not intend to insult or harm’: Sam Kerr found not guilty

Sam Kerr said she can finally put the “challenging period” behind her after being found not guilty of racially aggravated harrasment against a police officer in London.

Jury members deliberated for four hours before equitting Kerr. They were told throughout the trial to consider if her words did cause “harassment, alarm or distress” and if they were racially motivated.

In a statement, Kerr apologised for expressing herself “poorly” and reiterated she did not mean to cause harm.

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“I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed,” she said.

“I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.

“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and look forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.”

The Metropolitan Police said they respected the jury’s decision.

“Our officers perform a challenging job and are often subjected to various forms of abuse as they discharge their duty.  We will continue to support all officers involved in this incident,” Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland said.

“The matter was fully investigated with evidence presented to the Crown Prosecution Service who made the decision to charge.”

Kerr’s charge came after a night out in London on January 30, 2023.

Police alleged the Kerr and her partner, Kristie Mewis, were taken to a police station by a taxi driver, who said they refused to pay clean-up costs after one of them was sick. It’s also alleged one of them had smashed the vehicle’s rear window.

Kerr and Mewis told police they thought they were being “kidnapped” by the driver after they began driving in a different direction to their home.

Bodycam footage captured Kerr allegedly calling Police Constable Stephen Lovell “f*cking stupid* and “white” before he laid the charge.

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