Prosecutors in the case involving Chelsea forward Samantha Kerr, who referred to a police officer as “stupid and white,” have posed a question to the jury regarding whether views would change if she had used the phrase “stupid and black.”
The Australian player denies allegations of racially aggravated harassment directed at PC Stephen Lovell.
The 31-year-old is accused of being “abusive and insulting” towards the officer at a police station located in Twickenham, southwest London, during the early hours of January 30, 2023.
During the proceedings at Kingston Crown Court, character testimonials were presented from Kerr’s Chelsea teammates and former manager Emma Hayes.
In his closing remarks, prosecutor Bill Emlyn-Jones KC asked the jury to consider: “How would it have looked if PC Lovell had been a black man and she had labeled him ‘stupid and black’? This is not a fair comparison, as comparing black and white does not equate.”
He continued, stating, “Referring to a white individual in this context doesn’t carry the same weight; it’s not a straightforward exchange.
“In a heated situation, this was a race-based insult, which is what the law forbids.
“The standard you must apply remains consistent, irrespective of the ethnic backgrounds involved. She was belittling him, and at that moment, her hostility was racially motivated.
“Therefore, your ability to think of more severe instances of racial antagonism does not change the circumstances here.
“Would we classify her remarks as a racially aggravated insult had she said ‘stupid and black’? Absolutely, that wouldn’t even be debatable.”
Grace Forbes, representing Ms. Kerr, shared affirmations from Chelsea captain Millie Bright and midfielder Erin Cuthbert.
Bright referred to Ms. Kerr as a “truly exceptional individual,” while Cuthbert characterized her as a “fantastic friend and teammate” with a “unique ability to recognize the best in everyone.”
Carly Telford, a goalkeeper who was with Chelsea from 2017 to 2022, described Ms. Kerr as a “close friend” who is “dependable and trustworthy.”
The trial is ongoing.
Additional reporting by PA Media.
