High-profile UK lawyer to defend Matildas captain Sam Kerr in racism case

A “rising star” in the UK legal profession will represent Matildas captain Sam Kerr as she flights allegations she racially abused a police officer.

UK barrister Grace Forbes will represent Kerr at trial as she faces a single charge of racially aggravated and abusive behaviour.

British police will reportedly allege the 30-year-old called an officer a “white bastard” during the January 2023 incident.

The case will go to trial in April.

It is then that Ms Forbes, from firm 2 Hare Court, will put forward a motion to throw the case out altogether on the basis there was an abuse of power.

The West Australian reported that Ms Forbes would base the claim on it taking the UK Crown prosecutor almost 12 months to lay the charges against Kerr.

Ms Forbes is described by her firm as a “rising star” in UK law and last year defended a client in a multimillion-dollar fraud and money-laundering trial.

“Grace specialises in criminal defence. Her experience extends across the spectrum of criminal law,” the firm said.

“She has advised and represented clients accused of serious violence, serious drug supply, sexual offences and fraud.

“She has experience is navigating the complexities and tactical demands of multi-handed criminal cases.”

Kerr previously pleaded not guilty at a March 4 court appearance where Ms Forbes reportedly urged the court and police to preserve CCTV footage from the night.

“My estimate (for the trial), albeit somewhat conservatively, was four to five days to take account of the potential for defence witnesses,” Ms Forbes said.

“And the fact that there is certainly going to be some, if not numerous, body-worn video clips and potentially CCTV in this case.”

It was revealed this week that Kerr was reportedly taken into custody and interviewed by police on the night of the alleged incident.

The West Australian reported that it was only Kerr’s inner most circle who knew in the months since then that the charges were hanging over her.

During that time, Kerr represented Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which became one of the nation’s most-watched sporting events.

After Kerr was charged, Football Australia boss James Johnson and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson both admitted they were not aware of the allegations.

Chelsea, with whom Kerr also plays, hasn’t confirmed if the club was aware but said Kerr had its “full support”.

The case will return to a UK court on April 26, with Kerr having been excused from attending. She is yet to comment publicly on the charge.