“Evidence!”:Footage of Sam Kerr’s alleged harassment of police officer shown as trial starts in UK

Australian football star Sam Kerr has appeared in court in London as her trial for alleged racial abuse of a police officer begins. The incident occurred in January 2023 after a night out with her partner, Kristie Mewis, ended in an altercation with law enforcement.

Jurors viewed footage showing Kerr calling police officer Stephen Lovell “f—ing stupid and white” after she and Mewis exited a taxi through its broken window. The couple claimed they feared being kidnapped when the driver refused to let them out, leading to a confrontation with police.

Defense counsel Grace Forbes argued that Kerr’s remarks were not racially motivated but rather a reaction to power dynamics in the situation. Prosecutors, however, maintain that her comments constituted racially aggravated abuse. Kerr, who has pleaded not guilty, could face up to 26 weeks in jail if convicted.

The trial, set to last four days, continues with Kerr expected to testify. The case has drawn significant media attention, with her family present in court. The prosecution has presented video evidence of the incident, while Kerr’s legal team insists her words were misinterpreted