Sam Kerr’s legal team has yet to present its arguments before the British court where his racial harassment case will be heard, ten days after the documents were handed over.
The latest development in the saga reveals a problem with the sending of documents; Neither the defense nor the prosecution have fully delivered their documents.
This could delay the case and cause additional distress for the Matildas star.
Kerr, 30, was charged almost a year after being accused of using insulting and distressing language towards PC Lovell during a fee dispute outside Twickenham police station, south-west London, on January 30. from last year.
The incident occurred while Kerr was out with his fiancée, Kristie Mewis, after a big win with Chelsea in the Women’s Super League earlier in the day.
Kerr’s defense team, under the leadership of attorney Grace Forbes, had an April 2 deadline to present its preliminary arguments. Prosecutors were expected to respond Tuesday after obtaining a two-day extension.
But the Mail understands that full defense arguments were not presented to Kingston Crown Court, meaning the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was unable to provide a response.
A CPS spokesperson confirmed that neither party has handed over its documents.
Kerr has been ruled out of the Paris Olympics through injury anyway, but faces an extended period on the sidelines as her pending court case drags on.
Kerr’s attorney, Grace Forbes, had an April 2 deadline to present her preliminary arguments.
Kerr is accused of verbally abusing a London police officer during a night out with his fiancee Kristie Mewis.
CPS lawyers have been given until April 23 to submit documents in their case. Kerr’s legal teams have been given an additional nine days to file her documents.
Kerr’s legal team declined to confirm whether anything had been submitted to the court or what the defense arguments would be.
A spokesperson for Sheridans Law, the firm representing Kerr, said: ‘As you are aware, legal proceedings are ongoing. In the circumstances, neither Ms Kerr nor her legal team can comment.’
“All rights of Ms. Kerr are reserved.”
Asked if any documents had been produced, the spokesperson added: “It is not clear exactly what documents are being referred to.”
“Let alone when it is suggested that they should have been presented or to what extent they have only partially been presented if that is what is claimed.”
Kerr has been accused of calling a Metropolitan Police officer a “stupid white PC” after he was called to a dispute between the Chelsea striker and a taxi driver after a night out in Twickenham, south-west London.
A source said she is accused of vomiting in the taxi during the night, which came after Kerr scored a hat-trick against Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round.
Kerr is out of action anyway after tearing his ACL in a training camp for the Chelsea club.
The Matildas captain has kept a low profile since he was charged, occasionally being seen in public with his fiancée Kristie Mewis.
Kerr faces an uncertain future and further delays in his trial are likely to affect contract negotiations.
The Mail exclusively revealed that the 30-year-old was accused of racially aggravated harassment towards PC Lovell and pleaded not guilty on March 4.
A four-day trial is tentatively scheduled for February 2025. The Matildas captain first appeared at Kingston Crown Court via video link and spoke only to confirm her identity and plead not guilty to the charge.
Judge Judith Elaine Coello said it was understood that the footballer’s defense would be that his intention was not to disturb the police officer during the incident on January 30, 2023.
“I understand the defense is that she did not intend to cause alarm, harassment or distress to the officer,” [her behaviour] “It wasn’t racially aggravated,” the judge asked Kerr’s lawyer, Grace Forbes.
Kerr’s team is likely to try to have the charges dismissed, arguing that pursuing the prosecution is not in the public interest.
It is also believed there will be an argument that there has been abuse of process, given that it took a year to bring charges against her and it will be another year before she faces trial.
The trial is likely to hear evidence from PC Lovell, and jurors are expected to be shown body-worn footage of the incident.
Kerr will next appear at a mention hearing on April 26.