Man sentenced to minimum 19 years for partner’s murder

An individual described as “controlling and manipulating” has been given a life sentence, with a mandatory minimum of 19 years, for the murder of his partner. Adam Barnard, aged 41, fatally strangled Tara Kershaw, 33, on January 19 at their shared residence in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. During Barnard’s trial, the jury learned that he had been apprehended on suspicion of assaulting Ms Kershaw on January 18, the day preceding the killing of the mother-of-two. Norfolk Police confirmed its self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is currently carrying out an inquiry. Earlier, at a sentencing hearing held at Norwich Crown Court, Ms Kershaw’s family occupied the public gallery, displaying a sizable framed photograph of her. Her sister, Tanita Salish, presented an impact statement to the court, asserting that Ms Kershaw had been “let down by many people”. “We are told from a young age to trust the people in charge,” Ms Salish stated. She added, “She was labelled a drinker and not listened to. We all know this could have been avoided.” Ms Salish further explained that Ms Kershaw had utilized alcohol as a “coping mechanism.” Prior to his sentencing, the court was informed that Barnard was a registered sex offender, having been convicted in 2016 for sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13. His legal counsel stated that during his incarceration to date, Barnard had expressed regret for his actions. Judge Alice Robinson, in handing down a minimum sentence of 19 years, declared that Barnard had taken Tara’s life in a violent rage. She remarked: “You manipulated the professionals you spoke with into thinking you were the victim not her.” Law enforcement officials indicated prior interactions with the couple, including a communication initiated by Ms Kershaw around 18:00 GMT on January 18. She contacted officers within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), reporting that Barnard had struck her on the lip. Barnard was subsequently arrested on suspicion of common assault, brought in for interrogation, and released at 22:50, with no additional measures pursued. He asserted that their engagement had been terminated that day and that he had “asked for the ring back”. The subsequent day, which was the day of the murder, police safeguarding personnel from MASH, along with an independent domestic violence adviser, attempted to reach her mobile phone three times to ascertain her well-being; these calls went unanswered, according to police. Barnard then approached a police officer outside Great Yarmouth police station, just before 09:00 on January 20, the following day, stating: “I think I’ve killed my partner.” He asserted that he was unsure of the duration for which he had restrained Ms Kershaw, and that he had tried to revive her, subsequently covering her with a blanket before losing consciousness on the bed. Barnard informed officers that he awoke the next morning, panicked, and departed the residence. He alleged that Ms Kershaw had attacked him with a lamp during his sleep and that he had been holding her down when she passed away. A post-mortem examination determined that Ms Kershaw’s demise was consistent with neck compression. Evidence of injuries to her neck bones was also found, indicating occurrences four to seven weeks, five to 10 days, and less than six hours prior to her death. Detective Inspector Alix Wright of Norfolk Police stated that while she was unable to comment on the continuing IOPC investigation, “lessons will be identified and lessons will be learnt.” She added, “Barnard preyed on Tara’s vulnerabilities. He blamed her for his actions and his violence towards her.” Det Insp Wright concluded, “Nobody should feel unsafe in their own home, and I’d urge any victim of domestic abuse to report their suffering and come forward so they can be helped and supported.” She also conveyed, “Our thoughts today remain with Tara’s family.”