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      Ex-champion motorbike racer jailed for rape of girl, 7, as judge slams sexual predator for taking ‘no responsibility’

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      A FORMER motorbike champion has been slammed by a judge for not taking responsibility as he was jailed for the rape of a 7-year-old girl.Connor Behan, 33, denied all charges against him before he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child.Connor Behan has been jailed for 18 years over after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a childCredit: SWNSThe former Isle of Man TT rider came to the attention of police in 2022, after the victim reported him to her teacherCredit: AlamyBehan, of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions starting in May 2019, when she was just seven-years-old, the jury heard.They endured physical and psychological suffering from the abuse according to prosecutor Mark Connor. Following the week-long trial, Judge Michael Leeming stated: “You accept no responsibility for your actions and you continue to deny them but I cannot accept it.”You have no awareness, you have no empathy, and there is an element of victim-blaming throughout your pre-sentence report.”Read more SportBehan became an Irish road race super twin champion in 2014 and was active in the circuit from 2004 and 2015. He was jailed for 18 years and handed a restraining order at Chester Crown Court on Friday following years of abuseThe former Isle of Man TT rider came to the attention of police in 2022, after the victim reported him to her teacher.Using a seminal detection dog, police found traces of the disgraced rider’s semen on a blanket owned by the victim.Most read in MotorsportDenying all charges, he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child following a week-long trial last year.A victim statement said: “As a result of it I cannot be close to anyone.”It affects everything and I take it out on my family and on my friends.”Defending, Adam Watkins said Behan had an issue with drinking and drug-taking due to the death of his father.He added: “It does not explain or excuse his conduct but it is an idea of his difficulties at the time.”Behan will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.Following the verdict, DS Scott Graves said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim who is now just 10 years old, for her bravery and courage shown throughout this investigation and trial. Sadly there are no winners in this case, however I truly hope this result will provide her closure.”Behan sexually abused his victim for a sustained period of time – he showed no remorse, denying everything throughout the investigation.”Thankfully, the jury were able to see through his lies, and he will finally be held accountable for what he’s done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope this result will allow the victim to eventually move on with her life, now that Behan will be unable to hurt her ever again.”Behan was found unanimously guilty for the string of abhorrent offences at Chester Crown Court last December where he was also found not guilty of an additional count of sexual assault by touching of a child under 13. More

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      Celtic-Rangers League Cup final chaos update as four charged in connection with Glasgow mayhem

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      FOUR men have been charged in connection with violent scenes which broke out ahead of the Old Firm League Cup clash in December.Violence erupted on Glasgow’s city centre ahead of the Rangers v Celtic game which saw the Hoops clinch the cup in a nail biting penalty shoot-out.Members of the Green Brigade march down Argyle Street on December 15, last yearPyros were let off during the violent scenes between Rangers and Celtic fansHowever the excitement of the December 15 game was already marred by horror scenes in the city’s Argyle Street before the match when gangs of Rangers and Celtic yobs rampaged in the city.We told how Christmas shoppers were left terrified as masked ultras wearing Santa hats threw pyros and confronted cops in the city centre before the Celtic-Rangers Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden. One officer was allegedly struck in the eye by a glass bottle while a 26-year-old fan was said to have been badly hurt as Green Brigade and Union Bears thugs faced-off.Revellers dodged a lit flare hurled inside Celtic fan favourite pub Gallagher’s, while horrified women and kids watched as thugs in balaclavas charged their rivals.Police had been hunting 19 people involved in the violence and today confirmed four men, aged 23, 26, 27 and 28, were arrested from the Glasgow and South Lanarkshire areas.All four suspects are all being held in Police custody and are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 February.Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: “This is an ongoing operation and enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace those involved in the disorder. Most read in Football”I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to please attend at a local police station or contact us via 101.”The arrests come as Celtic managed to avoid a predicted away fan ban for the Champion’s League play-off round tie against Bayern Munich.The Hoops have a suspended one-match ban hanging over them over the use of pyrotechnics, which was assumed would be initiated after a fan threw a green smoke bomb onto the pitch during the defeat to Aston Villa.However in a shock move Uefa opted for just a 10,000 Euro fine, meaning that Celtic fans will be allowed to attend the huge clash against the German giants at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.However the club reminded fans that the suspended one-match ban remains in place and any future pyrotechnics events would leave an “extremely high risk” of it being triggered down the line.The Club added: “Again we must make it very clear that pyrotechnics have absolutely no place at our matches and should further incidents occur, then clearly, once again, there is an extremely high risk of our supporters not being permitted access to future matches.” More

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      Man City launch new legal battle against Premier League two weeks before landmark hearing

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      MANCHESTER City launched another legal battle against the Premier League – as they want the LATEST sponsorship rules declared ILLEGAL.City’s pre-emptive strike was initiated last month ahead of this week’s hearing into their challenges against the previous set of Associated Party Transaction rules.Man City have launched another legal battle against the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPrem and City lawyers argued their case at a two day Arbitration hearing which is due to determine whether the regulations which were declared “unlawful” in the autumn have been fixed by the changes voted in by a 16-4 majority vote of clubs in November.City are arguing that the declaration by the panel that the rules as they previously stood were “unlawful” meant that they could not just be adjusted by the “tweaks” approved by the club after Prem bosses took independent legal advice.But now Prem chief executive Richard Masters has told the 20 clubs that City have begun separate proceedings which call into question the legitimacy of the entire rulebook relating to the deals.Associated Party Transactions – APTs – are commercial contracts entered into by clubs with companies related to their owners.Read More on Man CityIn November, Prem bosses persuaded Chelsea, Everton and Wolves to change sides and back the new regulations, which allowed owners to convert previous “shareholder loans” into shares in their clubs.City wanted ahead of the vote that a decision not to look retrospectively at the loans – often at low or zero interest rates – would not be legally viable.That is understood to be the thrust of the latest legal move, with Lord Pannick KC understood to again be leading City’s legal arguments.In his letter to clubs – issued ahead of next week’s two day “shareholder” meeting, likely to be an even feistier affair given the anger brewing between the two sides – Masters explained: “Manchester City FC seeks a declaration that the amendments approved by clubs in November (and therefore the current APT rules in force) are unlawful and void.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The Premier League remains strongly of the view that the amendments passed in November were lawful and the APT rules comply with all competition law requirements.“We consider that the new arbitration must be resolved as soon as possible and, to that end, have agreed that the same tribunal should be appointed to hear the new case.How Arsenal humbled Man City with Arteta’s genius double press“The parties are currently corresponding in relation to further directions.“Meanwhile, the APT rules remain in full force and effect and clubs remain required to comply with all aspects of the system.”What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      ‘I made a mistake’ – Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s grovelling apology after suspended prison sentence for drink-driving

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      MEMPHIS Depay has issued a grovelling apology after landing a prison term for drink-driving.Monaco police stopped the former Manchester United striker at the wheel of his Rolls Royce last August.Memphis Depay has publicly apologised after landing a suspended prison term for drink-drivingCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015Credit: GettyAnd a court in the French Riviera city handed him a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week after hearing he was over the alcohol limit.The former Prem star – who earns around £170,000-a-week with Brazilian club Corinthians – has also been banned from driving in Monaco for two years.Dutch international Depay was not in court to hear the verdict.But the 30-year-old wrote on social media: “I would like to come on here and apologise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake, and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.”I should’ve got into a taxi instead, but I didn’t.”So I would like to apologise, and wanna take full responsibility for my action.”2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one.  2025 we will do better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDepay, who also apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.United – then led by Louis van Gaal – paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015, but he managed just seven goals in 53 games.Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hatThe striker rebuilt his career with Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians last year.Despite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring 46 goals in 98 caps.Depay joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians last yearCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Tycoon who paid for divorce with property fraud after wife left him for Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas wins £4.5m battle

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      A TYCOON who paid for his divorce with a property fraud after his wife left him for Cesc Fabregas has won a £4.5million legal battle.Elie Taktouk married Lebanese model Daniella Semaan in 1998 but they split 13 years later when she dumped him for the ex-Arsenal star.Elie Taktouk carried out a property fraud after divorcing Daniella SemaanShe is now married to Cesc FabregasCredit: AFPDuring a bitter divorce battle, Taktouk lost the the £5.5million marital home in Belgravia to his ex and her new partner.The 50-year-old was then jailed for seven years in 2021 over a multi-million pound property fraud.He was ordered to pay £4.5million in a confiscation ruling two years later following the scam.A judge ruled Taktouk should serve eight years in jail consecutive to his seven year sentence if the money was not paid in default.Read more newsBut Taktouk has now won the right to appeal that order at the Court of Appeal.This is so judges can “receive fresh evidence from the appellant’s brother, Dr Wassim Taktouk, who is the executor of the estate of their late father”.The court heard previously how Taktouk’s dad Youssef Taktouk was one of the richest men in Ibadan, Nigeria, and was worth around £187million.Both he and brother Dr Wassim Taktouk were shareholders in his father’s company Wasseli.Most read in FootballA previous judge examined whether he inherited anything that could be subject to the confiscation order following his father’s death.But Taktouk argued: “I cannot comment on a company I had no control over, no power over.”My father gave me and my brother a ten per cent share each when we were younger, in 1992, I think when I was still a teenager.”I don’t have any details of his wealth.”The court also heard how Taktouk drove a Porsche and rented a £21,000 a month property in Kensington.Between September 2014 and August 2021, he bought £78,000 worth of luxury items from Harrods.Taktouk was convicted of 11 counts of fraud and forgery offences relating to a failed property redevelopment in Knightsbridge.The director of JMT Property Ltd was privately prosecuted by property developer Adrian Noël and his father Frank.They had made an initial investment to buy the property – and then made ten additional investments at Taktouk’s request for works to be done while he was project manager.But he used the cash to fund his extravagant lifestyle to the tune of £2.5million – although the total loss was believed to be £3,237,347.Taktouk has two children from his marriage to model Daniella.She and ex-Chelsea star Fabregas first met in Japanese restaurant Nozomi in 2013 – sparking a bitter divorce battle.READ MORE SUN STORIESFabregas now shares three children with Daniella, who he married in May 2018.The couple live in Italy where the ex-Arsenal skipper manages Serie A side Como.Daniella married Taktouk in 1998Credit: InstagramHe was previously jailed for seven yearsCredit: Paul KeoghDaniella and Fabregas met in a Japanese restaurantCredit: InstagramThe couple have three childrenCredit: InstagramDaniella now lives in Italy with her football manager husbandCredit: Instagram More

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      Chelsea star tells court ‘I feared for my life’ before she branded cop ‘f****** stupid & white’ after drunken taxi row

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr today told a court “I feared for life” in a drunken taxi row before she branded a cop “f***ing stupid and white”.The 31-year-old was out with her partner – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window, it was said.Sam Kerr is giving evidence todayCredit: Gettyhurled racial abuse at a police officerCredit: Central NewsShe was out with her fiance – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – at the timeCredit: Central NewsAfter allegedly refusing to pay a clean-up fee, the taxi driver drove the pair to Twickenham Police Station.Once there, Kerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, became “abusive and insulting” towards Pc Stephen Lovell, jurors heard.Giving evidence today, the Aussie international said she had put her head out of the window when she began to feel sick before the driver “rolled it up” and began to “drive dangerously”.Kerr told Kingston Crown Court: “He accelerated and began to swerve in and out of lanes… We were getting thrown around.Read more news”I couldn’t hear what he was saying. He was speeding up and stopping.”Neither of us had our belts on so we stood up and tried to talk to him… it felt like he was going wherever he thought… I was terrified.”Kerr said the dangerous driving continued for 15 to 20 minutes – causing her to feel “terrified for my life”.She said there was “no reasoning” with the driver even after partner Kristie begged him to stop.Most read in FootballKerr added: “Everything was going through my mind about being in a car with a stranger I deemed to be dangerous.”Kristie was very distressed. She was crying and scared. I’ve never seen her like that before and it made me more scared.”I started to realise how serious the situation was. It put me in protective mode… he had the power over us.”We were not in control… I deemed him to be dangerous because of the driving but also because he could have taken us anywhere. He couldn’t be tracked so no one knew where we were.”Kerr said the pair tried to open the doors and windows multiple times but they remained locked.Eventually, Kristie “kicked out (the window) with her boot” which resulted in Kerr feeling “relieved”.Footage played to jurors previously showed Kerr in the police station saying: “Honestly, you guys are f***ing stupid and white”.She also reference Sarah Everard’s murder – telling the officer: “Look at what happened last year when a girl accepted a police officer’s help in Clapham and got raped and killed.”At one point in the bodycam video, Kerr branded the taxi driver a “f***ing liar” and calls him a “stupid c***”.Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC said the police officer was left “shocked, upset and humiliated” by the comments.He added: “He took offence to the comments that Ms Kerr made about his race because you may think that his being a white man really had nothing to do with anything.”Matildas captain Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment.The court heard she described the moment on January 30, 2023, as “heated” and said she was “just very angry at how I felt”.Mr Jones added: “Ms Kerr said that both herself and Ms Mewis were crying at the time.”Kerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes told jurors that no one disputes the words that were used but that they do not “make you guilty of a criminal offence”.She continued: “The words were a comment, however poorly expressed, about positions of power, about privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.She has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie, with the couple getting engaged last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The trial continues.The Chelsea star is accused of abusing a police officerCredit: GettyShe is currently sidelined due to injuryKerr and Kristie are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20 More

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      Kiss ruined happiest day of my life, Spain World Cup star Jenni Hermoso tells Luis Rubiales as sex assault trial begins

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      SPAIN’S World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has told a court that former football chief Luis Rubiales’ forced kiss “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso, 34, was the first witness to appear at a court in Madrid as Rubiales’ sexual assault trial began on Monday.Jenni Hermoso is seen testifying on day one of Luis Rubiales’ trial in Madrid, SpainCredit: ReutersThe moment where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after their World Cup winCredit: EnterpriseAxed Spanish FA boss Rubiales – seen in court today – could face up to two and a half years in prisonCredit: ReutersHermoso pictured arriving at the court of San Fernando de Henares on Monday morningCredit: AFPRubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and coercion over the kiss he planted on Hermoso at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England.The former Spanish FA boss, who initially refused to resign and dismissed the controversy as a “witch hunt by fake feminism,” faces up to two and a half years in prison if convicted.Rubiales has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends celebrating.”Taking the stand at Madrid’s Audiencia Nacional court, Hermoso described how Rubiales grabbed her head and kissed her without consent.Read more on Luis Rubiales”I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she told the court.”The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”I felt it was totally out of place and I then realised my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”Most read in FootballShe added: “As a woman I felt disrespected. It was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso said the pressure campaign left her fearful for her safety, forcing her to leave Madrid.Luis Rubiales Desperate Move: Controversial Video Sent to FIFA to Prove Innocence“From the first moment I reached Spain I had cameras after me 24 hours, people following me, people taking photos while I was having breakfast with my family. I had to leave Madrid with my family,” she said.“I felt fear at times of being in the street. I received death threats and messages of all types and we had to leave Madrid because the situation was unbearable.”It was a change in my life and I still say my life changed from that minute.”‘A statement I hadn’t written’The court also heard that just hours after the kiss, Rubiales and his aides allegedly pressured Hermoso to declare it was consensual to contain the growing backlash.She was called off the team bus at Sydney’s stadium and shown a statement she was expected to sign.Hermoso recalled breaking down in tears as pressure mounted on her to publicly downplay the incident.The Spanish footballer told the court:  “I skim-read it and said and knew I hadn’t written a word of it.“It was a statement I had supposedly drafted myself and consented to being put out to fan the flames of the fuss that was being created by the kiss.Hermoso and her Spain teammates beat England at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in SydneyCredit: AFPJenni Hermoso said in a press conference that the kiss was unwantedCredit: APThe unwanted kiss has sparked outrage around the worldCredit: RexRubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation in 2023 following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty“The statement said Luis Rubiales and I were good friends and the kiss happened in the effusiveness of the moment. I said I didn’t agree to it going out.”On the flight back to Spain, Rubiales allegedly approached Hermoso personally, pleading with her to back him publicly.“He told me, ‘Please, my two daughters are in the back of the plane crying,’” she said, adding that she refused.Ex-national team coach Jorge Vilda — one of Rubiales’ co-defendants — then allegedly approached Hermoso’s brother, warning him that her football career could suffer if she did not comply.“I felt totally unprotected in what should have been a safe place for me,” Hermoso said. “No one asked me if I needed anything. The only thing Rubiales and his aides did was try to protect their reputation.”Spain’s #MeToo momentThe scandal overshadowed Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup triumph and became a tipping point for sexism in Spanish sport.The hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) flooded social media, with Hermoso and 80 other players going on strike until federation leadership changed. FIFA suspended Rubiales, who eventually resigned in September 2023.The incident also sparked national soul-searching over sexual misconduct in Spain. The country had only recently toughened its sexual assault laws following the notorious ‘La Manada’ (Wolf Pack) gang rape case in 2016.Protests have erupted in Spain over the allegationsCredit: Rex“Rubiales out of play” has been displayed at many protestsCredit: Rex’A peck between friends’Rubiales continues to deny wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends” and his downfall was driven by “fake feminism”.His daughters, two of whom were on the team’s flight home, will testify in his defense next Monday.Former coach Jorge Vilda, ex-federation sporting director Albert Luque, and marketing director Rubén Rivera also face coercion charges and potential 18-month sentences.The trial is set to run until February 19, with high-profile witnesses, including Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, expected to testify.Rubiales, if convicted, could receive a suspended sentence as first-time offenders in Spain rarely serve time for prison terms under two years. READ MORE SUN STORIESProsecutors are also seeking €100,000 (£83,000) in damages for Hermoso.A verdict is expected by the end of the month at the earliest.Rubiales has constantly denied any wrongdoingCredit: Talk TV More

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      Chelsea star ‘called cop “f***ing stupid & white” after row over taxi fare on drunken night out with partner’

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr called a cop “f***ing stupid and white” after a row over a taxi fare erupted on a night out, a court heard.The 31-year-old was out with her partner – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window, it was said.Samantha Kerr is due to stand trial todayCredit: ReutersThe Chelsea star is accused of abusing a police officerCredit: GettyKingston Crown Court heard the pair were taken to Twickenham Police Station by the driver after refusing to pay clean-up costs.Once there, Kerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, allegedly became “abusive and insulting” towards Pc Stephen Lovell.Footage played to jurors showed the footballer saying: “Honestly, you guys are f***ing stupid and white”.Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC said the police officer was left “shocked, upset and humiliated” by the comments.He added: “He took offence to the comments that Ms Kerr made about his race because you may think that his being a white man really had nothing to do with anything.”Australia international Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment.The court heard she described the moment on January 30, 2023, as “heated” and said she was “just very angry at how I felt”.Mr Jones added: “Ms Kerr said that both herself and Ms Mewis were crying at the time.”Most read in FootballKerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes told jurors that no one disputes the words that were used but that they do not “make you guilty of a criminal offence”.She continued: “The words were a comment, however poorly expressed, about positions of power, about privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.She has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie, with the couple getting engaged last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The trial continues.Kerr has denied the offencesCredit: GettyThe Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisCredit: InstagramThe couple are expecting a baby togetherCredit: PA More