Ann Widdecombe died after she was hit on the head 21 times with a hammer, a court has heard. The Reform UK spokesperson was found by her gardener lying face down on her kitchen floor with serious head injuries, prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Court appearance
The revelations came as Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, appeared in court charged with Ann’s murder this afternoon. Ann, 78, was found dead in her home in Dartmoor on July 9 a day after she missed a pre-arranged online interview scheduled for just before 1pm.
Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that Kerry allegedly pulled up outside Ann’s house as she was eating lunch and entered through the front door. Kerry is accused of walking into Ann’s kitchen and using a hammer to hit her on the head 21 times, the court heard. The suspect then allegedly tipped Ann from her chair and took a wallet out of her handbag before leaving and driving off, the court heard. The prosecution claim Kerry was only inside the property for two minutes.
Remand and additional arrest
Kerry was wearing a grey tracksuit in the dock at Westminster Magistrates Court, speaking only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing. He was remanded into custody until his next court appearance, which is set to be the Old Bailey on Tuesday. Kerry was arrested for murder on July 11, two days after Ann Widdecombe was found dead. Two days after he was arrested for murder, Kerry was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but has not been charged with this offence.
Inquest details
New details also emerged at an inquest into Ann’s death about how her body was discovered ‘unresponsive with visible injuries’ at her home. During a brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court today, coroner Philip Spinney said ‘concerns were raised’ when Ann became ‘uncontactable’, so an employee carried out a ‘welfare check’ at her home. He told the inquest: ‘Miss Widdecombe was located within her property. She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries. The emergency services were called and she was sadly declared deceased at the scene.
CPS statement
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division said last night: ‘We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor. ‘Police enquiries into the defendant’s motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection. ‘Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses. ‘We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. ‘It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.’
Political career and safety review
Ann entered politics as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987 before going on to be an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She found fame outside of politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a serious review of MPs’ safety after she died, and Mr Taylor said officers are working with parliamentary officials to make politicians aware of protection measures that are in place. He said: ‘I know many have been understandably concerned about their own safety after this horrendous attack, particularly after hearing about the nature of the attack she endured in her own home. ‘We are working closely with the Speaker of the House and the relevant authorities to ensure elected officials are aware of what we have in place to protect them.’
