Domestic murder police put on restricted duties

Four officers and one member of police staff have been placed on restricted duties over the investigation into the murder of a mother-of-two.

Tara Kershaw, 33, was killed by her partner Adam Barnard in their house in Great Yarmouth in January last year.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating Norfolk Police's contact with Ms Kershaw prior to her death.

This week, the force said a fifth police officer had left the force.

The IOPC investigation was expected to conclude in the spring.

"One staff member and four officers are currently on restricted duties and one officer no longer works for the organisation," a force spokesperson said.

"As the IOPC is independently investigating this incident, we cannot comment further.

"The constabulary continues to co-operate with the IOPC."

At his trial in November, the jury was told how Ms Kershaw had called police the day before the murder.

Barnard was arrested on suspicion of assaulting her but was released without charge.

On the day of her death, police safeguarding staff tried to contact Ms Kershaw but she did not answer her phone.

Ms Kershaw's family said she had been "let down by many people" who had failed to see how vulnerable she was.

A post-mortem examination found Ms Kershaw's death was consistent with compression to the neck.

Barnard was jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years.

Judge Alice Robinson, in her sentencing, described how the defendant "manipulated the professionals you spoke with into thinking you were the victim, not her".

Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services is a charity covering Norfolk and Suffolk offering phone and online support as well as safe houses for those most at risk.

Spokesperson Rhys Lloyd said people who asked for help in cases of domestic abuse must feel "reassured and protected" by the authorities.

He said the IOPC investigation should focus on the opportunities that were missed to protect Tara.

"There must be lessons learnt from this and any necessary changes must be implemented swiftly to ensure that our collective processes for tackling domestic abuse are as robust as possible, helping to protect others," he explained.

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