ADAM BARNARD FROM NORFOLK SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER IN GREAT YARMOUTH
A man described as controlling and manipulative has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years after committing a tragic and violent act in Norfolk.Adam Barnard, aged 41, was convicted of the murder of his partner, Tara Kershaw, aged 33, in their shared residence in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on the 19th of January.
Details of the case revealed that Barnard strangled Ms.
Kershaw in their home, a place where she had sought refuge and safety.
The incident occurred on a day that was marked by prior violence, as Barnard had been arrested the day before on suspicion of assaulting Ms.
Kershaw.
Despite this, he was released from police custody at 22:50 after questioning, with no further action taken at that time.
The police had been involved with the couple previously, including a call made by Ms.
Kershaw around 18:00 GMT on January 18, during which she reported that Barnard had hit her on the lip.
This incident led to Barnard's arrest on suspicion of common assault, but he was released shortly after.
On the day of the murder, police and safeguarding officials made multiple attempts to check on Ms.
Kershaw’s welfare.
An independent domestic violence adviser and officers from the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) called her mobile three times, but these calls went unanswered.
Later, Barnard approached an officer outside the police station in Great Yarmouth, confessing, “I think I’ve killed my partner.” He explained that he was unsure how long he had been restraining Ms.
Kershaw and claimed to have attempted resuscitation before covering her with a blanket and passing out.
The following morning, Barnard said he woke up in a panic and left the scene.
He alleged that Ms.
Kershaw had assaulted him with a lamp while he was sleeping and that he had been restraining her when she died.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Ms.
Kershaw’s death was consistent with compression to the neck.
The injuries found on her neck indicated that they had occurred within a timeframe of four to seven weeks, five to ten days, and less than six hours before her death, suggesting a series of injuries over time leading up to her tragic end.
During the trial, the court was informed that Barnard had a history as a sex offender, having been convicted in 2016 of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13.
His defense team argued that Barnard had shown remorse during his time in prison.
However, the judge, Alice Robinson, emphasized that Barnard’s actions were driven by violent rage and manipulation.
She stated that Barnard had deceived professionals into believing he was the victim, rather than the perpetrator.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Robinson highlighted the brutality of the murder, condemning Barnard’s violent behavior and manipulation.
She underscored the fact that nobody should feel unsafe within their own home and urged victims of domestic abuse to come forward and seek help.
The family of Tara Kershaw sat in the courtroom, visibly affected by the proceedings, with her sister, Tanita Salish, reading an emotional impact statement.
Ms.
Salish expressed her frustration and sorrow, stating that Tara had been “let down by many people” and that she was labeled a drinker and not listened to, which she believed could have prevented the tragedy.
She also shared that Tara used alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with her struggles.
Norfolk Police’s Detective Inspector Alix Wright commented on the case, noting that while the investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was ongoing, lessons would be learned from the case.
She emphasized that Barnard had preyed on Tara’s vulnerabilities, blaming her for his violence and actions.
Inspector Wright urged anyone experiencing domestic abuse to report their suffering, reinforcing that no one should feel unsafe in their own home.
The police expressed their sympathies to Tara Kershaw’s family during this difficult time, reaffirming their commitment to protecting victims and preventing such tragedies in the future.
