Sam Kerr pleads not guilty to police officer harassment
Matildas superstar Sam Kerr is set to face trial after being accused of harassment towards a London police officer.
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Matildas superstar Sam Kerr is set to face a trial in London after pleading not guilty to a charge arising from an alleged incident with a police officer in January last year.
Kerr, 30, appeared at Kingston Crown Court via videolink after she was accused of using insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to a police officer during an alleged incident in Twickenham in January.
The star striker only spoke to confirm her identity and to enter a not guilty plea to the charge which was later confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.
“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 police charge sheet stated.
“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.”
News Corp reports the officer was allegedly abused after responding to a complaint regarding a taxi fare.
The incident allegedly occurred on January 30, 2023, just hours after Kerr scored an incredible hat-trick to propel Chelsea to a 3-2 FA Cup victory over Liverpool.
The trial is expected to get underway in February, 2025 and is due to last four days with two police officers to give evidence.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson was quizzed over the incident on Tuesday as he fronted media to announce the next round of Matildas home clashes before the Paris Olympics.
He said Kerr “has rights” and there would be no move for her to stand down as Matildas captain.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said “today was the very first time I ever heard about it” and “I will as a human being offer her support”.
Football Australia declared it would “monitor” the situation involving Kerr.
“Football Australia is aware of the legal proceedings involving Sam Kerr in the United Kingdom,” an FA statement read.
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. Our focus remains on supporting all our players, both on and off the field. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as appropriate.”
After pleading not guilty via video link, Kerr took to Instagram where she commented on an Instagram post by Matildas teammate Mackenzie Arnold in the early hours of Tuesday morning (AEDT).
Arnold’s post featured photos of her 30th birthday celebration, surrounded by Matildas teammates Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Katrina Gorry, Ireland’s Katie McCabe and Kerr along with her fiancee Kristie Mewis.
“Birthday week spent in 4 different countries but finished off with my favourite people all in one place. Thank you to my family and friends for making it so special and to Kirsty Smith for making turning 30 more than I could have ever imagined,” Arnold captioned the post.
Kerr commented on the post: “Feeeeel the rain on your skin” with a love heart eyes emoji.
Kerr celebrated the birthday festivities alongside fiancee Kristie Mewis.
The duo confirmed the worst kept secret when they announced their engagement in November in heartwarming posts to social media.
Tongues had been wagging since an Instagram post of Mewis wearing what looked very much like an engagement ring emerged in mid-September.
But the pair kept it quiet, playing a game with fans as they refused to confirm the news until Mewis broke the couple’s silence on November 9 in an exclusive interview with People Magazine.
The US women’s national team star has since moved closer to Kerr after signing a deal to join West Ham in the Women’s Super League.
A recently released documentary about the USWNT’s trainwreck World Cup campaign showed Mewis and Kerr talking about how they were “done” with the long-distance part of their relationship.
The documentary also gives several glimpses into the cute, playful way Kerr and Mewis act around each other.
“Sam, she’s just like the best person ever,” Mewis said.
“I feel like everybody says that about their partner, but I just feel so lucky that she likes me.
“Sometimes I feel I have impostor syndrome and I’m like, how is she choosing me? How am I good enough for her?”
Kerr won’t be playing at the Paris Olympics having suffered an ACL injury in January which has also sidelined her from playing for Chelsea.
The Perth native suffered the injury during Chelsea’s warm-weather training camp in Morocco.
She had scored four goals in eight games for WSL leaders Chelsea this season, while finding the net five times in four European Champions League appearances.
The Matildas have not officially ruled Kerr out of their Olympics campaign, however she will need a miracle to play in the tournament which begins on July 26.
The best case scenario for recoveries from typical ACL surgeries is six months. It is more common for athletes to need 9-12 months on the sidelines before being able to make a full comeback.
Coach Gustavsson described the injury as an “incredible loss” for the team.
“Considering how hard Sam has worked over the past six months to return to play, this news is a devastating blow for everyone,” Gustavsson said earlier in the year.
“With her ability to lead by example, Sam’s guidance and influence on the team is significant and, as a result, this will be an incredible loss for the national team.
“Our focus now is on ensuring she has all the support she wants and needs to navigate recovery and rehab.”
News.com.au has reached out to Sam Kerr’s management for comment.
Originally published as Sam Kerr pleads not guilty to police officer harassment
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