Police watchdog probes conduct in Tara Kershaw murder inquiry

An investigation by a police watchdog is underway concerning six Norfolk Police personnel in connection with a woman’s murder. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated its examination focuses on interactions officers had with Tara Kershaw before she died. Adam Barnard, aged 41, received a minimum 19-year prison sentence for the strangulation of his 33-year-old partner at their Great Yarmouth residence in January. The IOPC commented, “The investigation is looking at multiple reports made to police between November 2023 and January 2024.” In a formal declaration, the IOPC stated: “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 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, who was described during his trial as violent and a convicted sex offender, received a life sentence, mandating he serve at least 19 years before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Police testimony during the trial indicated prior interactions with the couple, including a phone call from Ms Kershaw around 18:00 GMT on January 18. She contacted officers at the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (Mash), informing them that Barnard had struck her on the lip. Barnard was apprehended on suspicion of common assault, brought in for questioning, and subsequently released at 22:50 without further proceedings. On the subsequent day, which was the day of the murder, police safeguarding personnel from Mash and an independent domestic violence adviser attempted to contact her mobile phone three times to ascertain her well-being, but the calls remained unanswered, according to police. Barnard later approached an officer outside Great Yarmouth police station just before 09:00 on January 20, stating: “I think I’ve killed my partner.” A post-mortem examination determined that Ms Kershaw’s death aligned with neck compression, and revealed evidence of neck bone injuries sustained on three separate instances. Norfolk Police had previously self-referred the matter to the IOPC. In a statement, it declared: “As the IOPC is independently investigating this incident we cannot comment on specific details. The constabulary continues to co-operate with the IOPC.”