Australian soccer star Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of the aggravated racial harassment of a police officer in the UK.
A jury of eight men and four women delivered the unanimous decision just after 2pm Tuesday local time, nearly 24 hours after they were first sent to deliberate.
Kerr was supported by her parents, brother and pregnant fiancee Kristie Mewis in the courtroom for the verdict.
The 31-year-old released a statement a short time later, declaring she now wants to put this “challenging period” behind her.
“Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me,” Kerr said.
“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed.
“I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.
“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and look forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family”.
Kerr was charged with one count of aggravated racial harassment last year after she allegedly called a police officer “stupid and white” following an incident involving a taxi driver in January 2023.
