Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared in court charged with the murder of former Member of Parliament and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. The 78-year-old Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, in early July. Prosecutors allege that Kerry, who traveled from his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, to Widdecombe’s residence, attacked her by striking her on the head 21 times with a hammer.
According to court statements, Kerry entered the property through the front door while Widdecombe was having lunch. CCTV footage from a Ring doorbell and internal cameras reportedly captured Kerry’s arrival as well as Widdecombe inside her home prior to the attack. Prosecutor Kashif Malik stated Kerry spent approximately two minutes at Widdecombe’s bungalow, during which he allegedly repeatedly struck her with the hammer before tipping her from her chair, taking her wallet from her handbag, and leaving in a red Vauxhall Corsa. Security footage identified the vehicle linked to Kerry.
Widdecombe was discovered unresponsive by her gardener on the morning of July 9 and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. A pathologist gave a provisional cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head. An inquest convened in Exeter confirmed the time and circumstances of Widdecombe’s death but was adjourned until the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
Kerry was arrested on July 11 in Rotherham by armed police and initially charged with murder. Two days later, he was also arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, though no charges related to terrorism have been filed. The investigation into potential motives, including the possibility of political or ideological factors, is ongoing. Kerry appeared before Westminster magistrates and was subsequently transferred to the Old Bailey. He was remanded in custody and denied bail. A case management hearing is scheduled for October 9, followed by a plea and trial preparation hearing in November. A provisional trial date has been set for June 8, 2027.
Ann Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, serving as shadow home secretary between 1999 and 2001, and later as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party. At the time of her death, she was an immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK. Widdecombe was also known for her appearances on television programs including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, as well as for her long-running weekly newspaper column. She was widely regarded as a forthright and influential figure in British politics and media.
The senior coroner for Devon, Philip Spinney, offered condolences to Widdecombe’s family and acknowledged the profound personal impact of her loss. The investigation into the case remains active as the legal process moves forward.