“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 did not react as the verdict was read, but then gave a thumbs up to her barrister Grace Forbes.

Kerr was charged with racially aggravated harassment with intent to cause alarm or distress, a public order offence which carried a maximum sentence of 26 weeks in jail.

They said they feared for their lives and thought they were being kidnapped.

Kerr’s pregnant fiancee, US international Kristie Mewis, burst into tears as the verdict was read. Source: AAP / Andrew Matthews

The alleged erratic driving began after Kerr, who admitted she was drunk, had thrown up outside the cab window on the way home.

Speaking during the hearing on 14 January, Forbes said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had violated its own guidance, adding that a “loophole” in the victims’ right of review scheme was used to justify prosecution proceedings a year after the alleged offence.

Only in December 2023 did Lovell provide a statement saying the comments made him “shocked, upset, and (left) me feeling humiliated”.