Steven Kerley, a 36-year-old resident of Park View, Brierley, in Barnsley, has been sentenced to prison for a series of serious offences, including sexual assault. The case came to light following a report of a sexual assault on a 25-year-old woman in Barnsley on May 2, 2021.
Promptly after receiving the report, Police launched an investigation. Crime scene investigators (CSI) established a scene at the location of the assault, conducting house-to-house and CCTV inquiries. Safeguarding measures were implemented to ensure the victim’s wellbeing. On May 5, 2021, officers arrested Kerley, who was subsequently charged with assault by penetration on August 10, 2022.
Kerley faced multiple charges, including sexual assault by penetration, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and engaging in coercive/controlling behaviour. On April 24, he was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court. Notably, he was found not guilty on six other counts. The court handed down an extended sentence of 21 years, comprising 18 years of imprisonment and an additional 3-year extension. This decision was reached on Friday, June 7.
Detective Constable Rosie O’Grady, who led the case, emphasised the importance of supporting survivors of sexual assault. She stated, “Our officers worked extremely hard to bring this case to court. Survivors must have confidence that they will be listened to and treated with respect throughout the prosecution process. Kerley’s reprehensible actions have no place in society, and I hope this result encourages other survivors in South Yorkshire to come forward.”
