Sam Kerr, Australia’s women’s football captain, expressed deep regret during her trial at Kingston Crown Court, admitting she was drunk and should have avoided an altercation with police that led to her arrest on January 30, 2023. In a recorded statement, Kerr reflected, “I wish I had just gone home. I should have walked away and dealt with it in the morning.” She faced charges of racially aggravated harassment stemming from an incident involving a taxi ride that turned sour after she and her partner, US footballer Kristie Mewis, became distressed and emotional.
The jury heard that police were called when Kerr vomited in the taxi, and Mewis broke a window, believing they were being held hostage. Upon police arrival, Kerr was arrested for calling an officer derogatory names. Although initially, the Crown Prosecution Service opted not to charge her, the police later sought a review of that decision, leading to the current trial.
Kerr, who is being supported by her family, stated that her actions were not intended to cause alarm and described feeling threatened by the situation. She apologised to the officer involved, acknowledging the distress the incident brought. The jury continues to hear evidence, with Kerr scheduled to testify further.