Man convicted of partner’s murder following prior domestic violence report

A man has been found guilty of murdering his partner, an act that occurred approximately 24 hours after his arrest for violence against her. Tara Kershaw, aged 33, died on January 19 at a multi-occupancy residence in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, which she shared with the perpetrator. Adam Barnard, 41, was taken into custody the day prior to the death of Ms. Kershaw, a mother of two, following her report to law enforcement that he had been violent towards her. Norfolk Police characterized Barnard as “controlling and manipulating” and stated that the force had self-referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is currently undertaking an inquiry. Barnard had asserted that Ms. Kershaw attacked him with a lamp during his sleep and that her death occurred while he was restraining her. The jury was informed that Barnard testified he “came to” following a seizure, discovering his arm on her throat after a period of sleeping off excessive alcohol and drug consumption. He further alleged that Ms. Kershaw intentionally attempted to provoke his epilepsy. A post-mortem examination determined that Ms. Kershaw’s demise was consistent with neck compression. The examination also revealed evidence of injuries to the bones of her neck, sustained at intervals of four to seven weeks, five to ten days, and less than six hours prior to her death. Following Barnard’s conviction, law enforcement officials disclosed that they had prior interactions with the couple, including a phone call placed by Ms. Kershaw around 18:00 GMT on January 18. She contacted officers within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and reported that Barnard had struck her on the lip. Barnard was apprehended on suspicion of common assault, brought in for interrogation, and subsequently released at 22:50 GMT without further proceedings. He asserted that their engagement had been terminated on that same day, and he had “asked for the ring back”. The subsequent day, which was the day of the murder, police safeguarding personnel from MASH and an independent domestic violence adviser attempted to reach Ms. Kershaw’s mobile phone three times to inquire about her well-being, but the calls went unanswered, according to police. Barnard then approached a police officer outside Great Yarmouth police station shortly before 09:00 GMT on the following day, January 20, stating: “I think I’ve killed my partner.” He claimed he was unaware of the duration for which he had restrained Ms. Kershaw and stated he had tried to resuscitate her, then covered her with a blanket before losing consciousness on the bed. Barnard informed officers that he awoke the subsequent morning, panicked, and departed the premises. Detective Inspector Alix Wright commented: “Our thoughts today, as they have been throughout our investigation, are with Tara, her family and friends and although I am pleased with this verdict, I also know nothing will ever bring her back and take away their pain.“Barnard was a controlling and manipulating murderer who preyed on Tara, exploited her feelings and her vulnerabilities.“Whenever she attempted to ask for help from authorities, she felt threatened by Barnard.”He deserves to be behind bars.” Barnard is scheduled for sentencing on Monday.