A BARNSLEY man, has been sent to prison for a series of offences including sexual assault.
Officers responded to a report of a sexual assault of a 25-year-old woman in Barnsley on May 2 2021.
An investigation was immediately launched, and a scene established at the location of the assault, attended by CSI. House-to-house and CCTV enquiries were also carried out.
In addition, officers put safeguarding measures in place to ensure the wellbeing of the victim.
Officers arrested Steven Kerley, 36, of Park View, Brierley, on May 5 2021, and he was bailed pending further enquiries. Kerley was charged with assault by penetration on August 10 2022.
Kerley was convicted of sexual assault by penetration, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and engaging in coercive/controlling behaviour, at Sheffield Crown Court on April 24, and was found not guilty of six other counts.
He was handed an extended sentence of 21 years comprising of 18 years’ imprisonment and an extension period of three years at the same court on Friday.
DC Rosie O’Grady, the officer in charge of this case, said: “Our officers worked extremely hard to support the victim in bringing this case to court. It is vitally important that survivors of sexual assault have confidence that when they come forward, they will be listened to and treated with respect through every step of the prosecution process.
“Kerley’s vile actions have no place in society, and I am pleased that he has been jailed for a long time. I hope that this result gives confidence to other survivors of sexual assault in South Yorkshire to come forward.”
