Sam Kerr, the Matildas star, is on trial for allegedly making racially aggravated comments to a police officer. But what led to this charge?
The story begins with a taxi ride that Kerr’s partner, Kristie Mewis, described as “like nothing I’ve experienced” in court.
A Night Out Turns into a Nightmare
Mewis, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child and engaged to Kerr, recounted the events of that night.
She and Kerr had been out drinking in south-west London when they got into a taxi.
But things took a turn for the worse when the driver allegedly drove recklessly, causing Mewis to fear for her life. “I’ve never driven a car that fast before. I immediately felt fear for my life,” she said.
A Desperate Attempts to Escape
Mewis described feeling powerless and out of control, stating that she and Kerr tried to open the doors and windows but they remained locked.
Kerr had previously told the court that they were “trapped” in the taxi. Mewis echoed this sentiment, saying, “I didn’t know if it was a kidnapping or if we were going to crash.
All of the horrible things you think about in your head—I didn’t know if that was going to happen.”
A Confrontation with Police
When the taxi arrived at the police station, Mewis and Kerr immediately told officers about their fear. However, Mewis testified that Officer Lovell was dismissive of their story.
“We were saying we had been taken against our will, we couldn’t get out, and the driver was driving like crazy,” she said. “He wasn’t believing what we were saying.”
Mewis accused police of distorting their story and even suggested that they were trying to “gaslight” them.
A Difference in Treatment?
Mewis also noticed a difference in how the police treated Kerr compared to herself. “Pc Lovell was more snide and shorter with Sam,” she said.
“He didn’t believe what she was saying and was dismissive with her.” This has raised questions about the police’s handling of the situation and whether Kerr was treated unfairly.
The Trial Continues
The trial is ongoing, and Kerr’s fate remains uncertain. One thing is clear, however: the events of that night have had a profound impact on both Kerr and Mewis.
As the couple prepares to welcome their first child and tie the knot in December 2025, they must also navigate the challenges of this high-profile trial. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.