Barnsley Man Jailed for Brutal Sexual Assault
Steven Kerley, 36, from Park View, Brierley, Barnsley, has been locked up for a string of serious offences, including sexual assault. The nightmare began when a 25-year-old woman reported being attacked on May 2, 2021.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
Police launched an immediate investigation. Crime scene officers scoured the area, carrying out house-to-house checks and digging through CCTV footage. Safeguarding measures were put in place to protect the victim. Just three days after the reported attack, Kerley was arrested and later charged with assault by penetration on August 10, 2022.
Multiple Charges, Heavy Sentence
Kerley faced a battery of charges including sexual assault by penetration, actual bodily harm, and coercive control. On April 24, Sheffield Crown Court convicted him — though he was cleared on six other counts. On Friday, June 7, the court slammed him with a total sentence of 21 years: 18 years behind bars plus a 3-year extended licence.
Detective Pleads for Justice and Support
Detective Constable Rosie O’Grady, who led the investigation, said: “Our officers worked tirelessly to get justice. Survivors must trust they will be heard and treated with respect. Kerley’s disgusting behaviour has no place in society. I hope this sends a strong message to other victims in South Yorkshire to come forward.”
