Key facts
- Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with murder in the death of former politician Ann Widdecombe.
- Prosecutors allege Kerry struck Widdecombe 21 times with a hammer at her home in Haytor, Devon.
- Kerry is accused of taking Widdecombe's wallet and fleeing the scene in a car.
- A provisional cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
- The investigation is examining a potential political or terrorism motivation.
- Widdecombe, a former MP and government minister, was known for her socially conservative views.
Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with murder in connection with the death of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. Kerry appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, where prosecutors alleged he struck the 78-year-old Widdecombe 21 times with a hammer at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 8.
Prosecutors stated that Kerry drove to Widdecombe's house, walked through the front door, and beat her with a hammer, taking her wallet before fleeing in a car. The entire attack reportedly lasted two minutes. A provisional cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The investigation, which has involved over 800 lines of inquiry, is also examining a potential political or terrorism motivation for the killing.
Kerry was arrested on July 11 in South Yorkshire, over 250 miles from Widdecombe’s home. He spoke only to confirm his identity and did not enter a plea. He was ordered held in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Central Criminal Court on October 9. Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament and government minister, was known for her socially conservative views and later joined the anti-immigration Reform UK party.
Her killing has renewed concerns over the security for politicians, following the murders of MPs Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021.