A man has appeared in court accused of murdering former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe by striking her 21 times with a hammer. The 78-year-old was found dead in her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on July 9, a day after she missed a pre-arranged online interview.
Prosecutor Kashif Malik told Westminster Magistrates' Court that Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, allegedly pulled up outside her house as she was eating lunch and entered through the front door. A camera in the hallway showed him asking her: 'Don’t suppose you have bank cards and ID?' before using a hammer to hit her on the head 21 times, the court heard.
Kerry is then accused of tipping her from her chair, taking a wallet from her handbag and driving off. The prosecution said he was inside the property for only two minutes. At the Old Bailey later, the attack was described as 'planned and targeted' with a 'ferocity of violence'.
Kerry, wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address at the short hearing. He was remanded into custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on October 9. He was arrested for murder on July 11, and two days later was additionally arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offences, but has not been charged with this.
An inquest at Exeter Coroner's Court heard that concerns were raised when Miss Widdecombe became uncontactable, and an employee carried out a welfare check, finding her unresponsive with visible injuries. Frank Ferguson of the CPS said police enquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection, and reminded the public not to prejudice proceedings.
