Key facts
- University of Aberdeen is investigating an employee's social media comments about Ann Widdecombe's death.
- The employee, Heather Herbert, expressed hope that Widdecombe had an 'extremely painful death'.
- Herbert stated she was 'glad [Ms Widdecombe] was dead' even after details of a murder investigation emerged.
- Police Scotland assessed the online post and found no criminality.
- The university stated the comments are the individual's own and do not represent the institution's views.
The University of Aberdeen is investigating social media comments made by an employee, Heather Herbert, regarding the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe. Herbert, a web developer and former political candidate, posted that she hoped Widdecombe had an 'extremely painful death' and later stated she was 'glad she was dead'.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Devon with serious injuries, and police are treating her death as murder, having arrested a 28-year-old man. Herbert's comments were made before news of the murder probe broke, but she reportedly doubled down on her stance even after the distressing details emerged.
The University of Aberdeen issued a statement confirming they were aware of the posts and were reviewing the matter as a priority, emphasizing that the comments were the individual's own and did not represent the institution's views. Principal Professor Peter Edwards condemned violence and hateful behavior, assuring that the university has a zero-tolerance approach and is investigating the incident.
Police Scotland confirmed they had received reports relating to the online post but stated that no criminality had been established after assessing the information.