Sam Kerr, captain of Australia’s women’s football team, is to face trial in England accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.
The West Australian, who plays for Chelsea in London, appeared in court in the British capital overnight accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words thatcaused alarm or distress to PC Lovell during an incident in Twickenham on January 30.
Kerr, who appeared at Kingston Crown Court via videolink, spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge, the Daily Mail reported.
The Metropolitan Police later confirmed: “Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.
“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”
“I understand that the defence is that she didn’t intend to cause alarm, harassment or distress to the officer, [her behaviour] did not amount to it and it was not racially aggravated,” Judge Judith Elaine Coello was reported to have said to Kerr’s barrister, Grace Forbes, in court.
Kerr is expected to go to trial in February next year with two police officers scheduled to give evidence. The trial is due to last four days.
Kerr is one of Australia’s best known and most recognisable figures, especially after the Matildas’ run to the semi-finals of the home-hosted Women’s World Cup earlier this year.
