A court hearing has unveiled startling remarks made by Chelsea striker Samantha Kerr towards a Met Police officer in south-west London. The jury was informed that the Australian footballer is facing charges of racially aggravated harassment against PC Stephen Lovell, stemming from an incident in the early hours of 30 January 2023. Allegations suggest that Kerr, along with her partner Kristie Mewis, had been drinking before being brought to Twickenham police station by a taxi driver who claimed they refused to pay for cleaning after one of them vomited and damaged the vehicle’s rear window. Kerr, 31, has denied any wrongdoing.
During the encounter at the police station, Kerr allegedly directed abusive and insulting language at PC Lovell, as captured in footage from the officer’s body-worn camera. In the recording played to the jury at Kingston Crown Court, Kerr is heard using expletives and referring to the officer as “stupid and white.” Prosecution barrister Bill Emlyn Jones KC stated that PC Lovell was left “shocked, upset, and humiliated” by Kerr’s comments. Kerr described the incident as a “heated moment.”
Defense counsel Grace Forbes acknowledged the words spoken but argued that they did not constitute a criminal offense, portraying them as a commentary on power dynamics and privilege. The prosecution outlined that Kerr and Mewis had been drinking on the night in question before the taxi driver reported an altercation inside his vehicle, prompting him to seek assistance at the police station.
The court heard that upon police arrival, Kerr was observed climbing out of the taxi’s broken rear window, with both players appearing distressed. Kerr explained to officers that they believed the taxi driver was holding them against their will, leading to the damage to the vehicle. Despite PC Lovell’s attempts to explain the situation, Kerr’s interruptions and subsequent derogatory remarks escalated the confrontation.
The trial is ongoing, with further updates expected. For more news and updates, tune in to BBC Radio London and connect with BBC London on social media platforms. Share your story ideas with us at hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.
Hyperlink to HM Courts & Tribunals Service
