Chelsea women’s star Sam Kerr faces trial accused of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer
AUSTRALIA superstar Sam Kerr faces a trial after pleading not guilty to allegations of racially abusing a police officer.
The top female player, who plays for Chelsea Women, has been charged with racially aggravated harassment and is due in court next year.
The incident occurred in Twickenham on January 30 and the alleged victim is police officer PC Lovell.
Kerr, 30, attended Monday’s court hearing via video link and pleaded not guilty to the charge, report the Daily Mail.
It means the Australia international is now set for a four-day trial, which is set to take place in February.
Two other police officers are expected to give evidence during the hearing.
It is understood part of Kerr’s defence is the fact the Blues star did not intend to upset the policeman.
Judge Judith Elaine Coello responded to the defence by informing Kerr’s barrister: “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.”
In a statement, the Metropolitan police said: “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.”
Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches for Chelsea but is currently sidelined with an ACL injury she suffered last month.
She is also captain of the Australia Women’s team.