Family of woman killed by partner say she was let down

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the case, with at least six officers facing conduct notices. 

Three of the sisters of Tara Kershaw have spoken movingly about their sibling, a mother of two, who was strangled to death by Adam Barnard shortly after he returned to his Great Yarmouth flat. 

He had stopped to buy alcohol on his return from the police station.

The next day the 41-year-old went back to the station, telling officers he thought he had killed his 33-year-old partner.

Adam Barnard confessing to police he had killed Tara Kershaw (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

On Monday (November 11) Barnard was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years, having been found guilty of murder following a five-week trial.

Before Barnard was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court, Miss Kershaw's sisters spoke of their devastation. In moving victim impact statements, they described how she had been let down by police and others.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

Tanita Salih said she has suffered an "unbearable" loss of not only her sister but "best friend".

Tara Kershaw (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) She said her life has been "shattered" by the loss of her sister who was "let down by many people".

In a moving statement, read out in-person, Tanita said: "Unfortunately no matter how many times she cried out for help saying how scared she was, she was never believed by those who should have protected her.

"She knew Adam would one day kill her.

"We all know it could've been avoided if the professionals had listened to her outcry instead of ignoring her because of her drinking."

Adam Barnard (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Another sister, Zoe Savva, said for her "time stood still" on January 20 this year after her sister's life was "taken by a monster".

She said she would forever be known as the "woman whose sister was murdered" and feels "angry" that "nothing was done" about Barnard despite Miss Kershaw's previous complaints about the violence she faced. 

Ms Savva said the family cannot help but feel that the death of her sister was "avoidable".

She said Miss Kershaw had "reached out for help" from the agencies who "should've protected her" but "they did nothing".

Police at Princes Road, Yarmouth (Image: Newsquest) In addressing Barnard directly, she said: "I can never forgive you for what you have done.

"I hope her death torments you as much as it has me."

Another sister, Yvonne Kershaw, said the family would be "forever haunted" by the pain and suffering she faced in her final moments.

She said it "disgusts" them that Barnard was the last person who saw their sister alive.

Norfolk Constabulary has referred itself to the IOPC so the watchdog can investigate its handling of Miss Kershaw's complaints and if the tragedy could have been avoided.

Barnard speaking to police on body-worn video following a previous incident (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) A spokesman for the IOPC said: “Our investigation into the contact that Norfolk Constabulary officers had with Tara Kershaw prior to her death on 20 January 2024 is ongoing.

“The investigation is looking at multiple reports made to police between November 2023 and January 2024.

“We can confirm that, as part of our ongoing investigation, a total of six officers or staff members have been served with conduct notices.

"A member of police staff and a former police officer are being investigated for potential gross misconduct, and a further four officers are being investigated for potential misconduct.

"This does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow - at the end of our investigation we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings."

Barnard showed little emotion as he was jailed by Judge Alice Robinson, who said he had killed her "in a violent rage" after becoming "angry" she had got him arrested again.

Judge Alice Robinson (Image: Newsquest) She said Miss Kershaw craved "warmth, human affection and love" but instead faced violence from Barnard who "controlled" her life.

She said Miss Kershaw, who had survived previous strangulation attempts by Barnard, was vulnerable due to her alcohol addiction.

Judge Robinson said Barnard had shown a lack of remorse and strangled her for a "sustained period of time" long after she lost consciousness. 

During the sentencing hearing, Stephen Spence, prosecuting, said Barnard faced life imprisonment with the judge having to set the minimum term, which the prosecutor said should be at least 15 years. 

Adam Barnard (inset) and police at Princes Road, Yarmouth (Image: Facebook/Newsquest) The court heard Barnard had a previous conviction for sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13 for which he was jailed for seven years in 2016.

Will Carter, for Barnard, said there was "little he could say" with him agreeing the starting point was 15 years, given the domestic context.

He said there was a lack of premeditation but accepted that Barnard purchased alcohol after being released by police and it was possible, while he was drinking, he was working himself up into a rage.

Mr Carter said there was "more complexity" to this than just to say Barnard was a "wicked man".

He said alcohol and drugs underlined this but Barnard, who has a history of mental ill health, also handed himself into police.

Great Yarmouth Police Station (Image: Newsquest) The five-week trial had heard that Barnard, who lived in a room near to Miss Kershaw at a guest house in Princes Road, was arrested on January 18 on suspicion of assault after she alleged he had hit her on the lip.

He was taken into custody and interviewed, telling officers she had caused the injury herself.

He was then released at 10.50pm with no further action taken and went home, stopping off on the way to buy cider and vodka.

He then killed Miss Kershaw in the early hours of January 19.

More than 24 hours later, shortly before 9am on January 20, he went to Great Yarmouth Police Station and approached officers outside, saying "I needed to speak to you guys".

He added, "I know I'm in a whole lot of trouble" before saying he thought he had killed his girlfriend.

Barnard was arrested and officers went to Miss Kershaw's flat, where they found her on the floor at the foot of the bed with an animal print blanket over her.

Speaking after sentencing, the Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Alix Wright, said: “We welcome today's sentencing of Adam Barnard, he is a manipulative man who prayed on Tara’s vulnerabilities and blamed her for his violent actions.

Detective Inspector Alix Wright (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) “He has shown no remorse or empathy and deserves to be behind bars to prevent him causing further pain to other vulnerable people.

“Our thoughts remain with Tara’s family, but I hope today’s sentence brings them some justice.

“No one should feel scared in their own home.

"I’d urge anyone suffering domestic abuse to report this so they can be helped and supported.

"If not directly to the police then to one of the various partner agencies and charities working throughout Norfolk.”