LONDON — A man accused of murdering former British government minister Ann Widdecombe struck her 21 times on the head with a hammer during an attack at her home, prosecutors told a London court, as details of the case were presented during an initial hearing.
Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead at her home in southwest England earlier this month. He was not asked to enter a plea and was remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.
Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that security camera footage from Widdecombe’s home had captured the incident. The court heard that Kerry allegedly entered the property on July 8 while Widdecombe was eating lunch and repeatedly struck her with a hammer before leaving the scene.
The prosecution said Kerry was allegedly inside the home for about two minutes and that he later left with Widdecombe’s wallet. The court heard that police were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, including whether there was any political or terrorism-related motive.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative lawmaker and government minister who later became associated with Reform UK, was found at her rural Devon home after failing to attend a scheduled television interview. Her personal assistant contacted her gardener, who discovered her body, according to prosecutors.
Police have said the investigation remains ongoing. Counter-terrorism officers became involved as authorities examined possible motives behind the attack, while the murder charge against Kerry remains an allegation that must be tested in court.
Widdecombe served as a member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010 and held ministerial roles under former Prime Minister John Major. She later became a public figure through political commentary and television appearances.
Kerry is due to face further hearings, with a case management hearing scheduled for October and a provisional trial date set for 2027, according to court information reported after the proceedings.
