Man charged with Ann Widdecombe murder over political motive

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 15:31 · Archive

Joshua Kerry, 28, is charged with murdering Reform UK figure Ann Widdecombe in July, allegedly motivated by extreme left-wing ideology.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative minister. Widdecombe, 78, died on 8 July after being struck on the head with a hammer 21 times in the kitchen of her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC told the Old Bailey that prosecutors allege Kerry held an extreme left-wing and or anti-establishment mindset and was particularly hostile towards Reform. Polnay said prosecutors would allege that Widdecombe's murder had a terrorist connection and was politically and ideologically motivated.

Kerry is also charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026. During this period, it is alleged he carried out research on prominent people and institutions and attempted to gain entry to the south London home of Reform leader Nigel Farage on 19 April. Other figures named on a list uncovered during the investigation include Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform MPs Richard Tice, Lee Anderson and Robert Jenrick.

Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh prison. He was not asked to enter pleas and was remanded in custody. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set a plea and case management hearing for 29 January and a trial before a High Court judge on 8 June.

Man charged with Ann Widdecombe murder over political motive — Image: The Independent

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How it is being reported

Ann Widdecombe murder suspect had ‘hostility towards Reform’, court toldJoshua Kerry is accused of murdering the Reform UK spokeswoman and targeting Nigel Farage in an alleged terror plotThe Independent · 9 Oct, 15:45
Ann Widdecombe killing ‘inextricably linked’ to Farage terror plot, court toldJoshua Kerry, 28, is charged with preparation of terrorist acts between May 31 2024 and July 8 2026, when he allegedly murdered Miss Widdecombe.Evening Standard · 9 Oct, 15:15
Man charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe and targeting Nigel Farage was motivated by extreme left-wing mindset and hostility to Reform, court hearsJoshua Kerry is charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a prominent figure in Farage's Reform UK party, who prosecutors say was repeatedly hit on the head with a hammer in her home in July.Daily Mail · 9 Oct, 15:14
Widdecombe murder 'politically and ideologically motivated'Ann Widdecombe's murder is alleged to have been "politically and ideologically motivated", a court has heard.Sky News · 9 Oct, 14:36

In this story: Joshua Kerry · Ann Widdecombe · Nigel Farage · Reform UK · Haytor · Dartmoor · Devon

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