Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with the murder of former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. Prosecutors allege Kerry traveled from Rotherham to Widdecombe’s home in Haytor, Devon, on July 8, where he killed the 78-year-old using a hammer before fleeing with her wallet.
Court Proceedings and the Allegations
During the brief hearing, Kerry spoke only to confirm his personal details. Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that security camera footage suggests the attack occurred shortly after Kerry entered the bungalow while Widdecombe was eating lunch. According to the prosecution, the defendant remained in the property for approximately two minutes.
The alarm was raised on July 9 after Widdecombe failed to appear for a scheduled online interview for a Channel 5 production. Her gardener discovered her body face-down on the kitchen floor. A pathologist has provided a provisional cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head, with investigators noting 21 separate strikes by a hammer.
Terrorism Investigation and Legal Status
While Devon and Cornwall police initially arrested Kerry on July 11 after linking him to a red Vauxhall Corsa spotted near the scene, the investigation has since expanded. Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the case, and Kerry was rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Authorities stated that the inquiry into a potential political or terrorist motive remains ongoing.
Following the magistrates’ court hearing, Kerry appeared at the Old Bailey before Judge Cheema-Grub, where he was denied bail and remanded in custody. A case management hearing is set for October 9, with a provisional trial date scheduled for June 8, 2027.
Did you know?
Ann Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald for 23 years, from 1987 to 2010, before later joining the Brexit Party and serving as a spokesperson for Reform UK.
Coroner Inquest and Official Tributes
An inquest into the death opened Tuesday morning in Exeter. Philip Spinney, the senior coroner for Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, formally suspended the proceedings to allow the criminal trial to take precedence.
“It is plain that Miss Widdecombe was much loved and will be greatly missed,” Spinney said during the hearing. He acknowledged the clinical nature of the legal process, offering his condolences to the family while noting that the specific medical cause of death is still subject to the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the murder case?
Joshua Kerry is currently remanded in custody after being denied bail at the Old Bailey. A trial date has been provisionally set for June 8, 2027.
Why are counter-terrorism officers involved?
While Devon and Cornwall police made the initial arrest, the case was transferred to counter-terrorism command. Investigators are currently assessing whether there was a political or terrorist motivation behind the attack.
How was the victim discovered?
Widdecombe was found by her gardener on the morning of July 9 after she failed to attend a pre-arranged interview for a Channel 5 television program, prompting producers to attempt contact with her and her assistant.
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