Sam Kerr trial: officer did not mention impact of ‘stupid and white’ comments in first statement, court hears

The trial of Australian footballer Sam Kerr has raised questions about the timing and credibility of key evidence. PC Stephen Lovell, the officer involved, did not initially report being affected by Kerr’s alleged remarks, only mentioning their impact 11 months later in a second statement.

Kingston Crown Court heard that Kerr, 31, called Lovell “fucking stupid and white” at Twickenham police station after a dispute with a taxi driver. The Crown Prosecution Service initially declined to charge her due to insufficient evidence but later pursued charges after Lovell’s second statement claimed emotional distress.

During cross-examination, Kerr’s defense lawyer, Grace Forbes, suggested Lovell’s second statement was strategically timed after the CPS’s initial decision. She questioned whether Lovell exaggerated the impact of Kerr’s words to ensure prosecution. Lovell denied these claims, maintaining that Kerr’s comments left him feeling humiliated.

Kerr admitted she was intoxicated but insisted she felt threatened and unprotected during the incident. While acknowledging the remarks, she expressed regret, stating she would have handled the situation differently in hindsight. The trial continues, with further scrutiny on the credibility of Lovell’s statements and the handling of the case.