Kerr declared not guilty of racist assault after prolonged trial that seen her finally cleared at Kingston crown court.
Kerr declared not guilty of racially aggravated harassment after calling a police officer “fucking stupid and white”.
After the jury deliberated for just over four hours, Kerr gave her lawyer, Grace Forbes, the thumbs up, but she remained emotionless when the decision was read.
She later released a statement in which she expressed her gratitude for the ruling and her ability to “finally put this challenging period behind” her.
The star striker for Chelsea and captain of the Australian women’s football team could have received a maximum term of two years in prison.
Particularly in the UK, where there has been a recent wave of high-profile cases involving individuals of colour being prosecuted with racially aggravated offences, the verdict is sure to provoke discussion about free speech and race.
In her statement, 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.
Kerr allegedly branded a Metropolitan police officer “fucking stupid and white” during a six-day trial in Kingston Crown Court after he questioned her claim that she was “held hostage” in a locked cab that was swerving and speeding.
The Crown Prosecution Service, which has the last word on whether a criminal prosecution can proceed in England and Wales, first opted against charging Kerr because the evidence did not satisfy the necessary level, as was disclosed throughout the trial.
After PC Stephen Lovell, the participating officer, gave a second statement, CPS opted to charge her with racially aggravated deliberate harassment.