A new court image of Joshua Kerry, the man accused of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe, has been released as a trial date was set. Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, is alleged to have driven to Ms Widdecombe's home in Devon and struck her 21 times with a hammer earlier this month, the Old Bailey heard on Tuesday.
Details of the attack
Kerry was arrested on July 11, two days after Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her property in Haytor, Dartmoor. He was also arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences but has not been charged with them. A provisional trial date has been set for June 8, 2027.
During his first appearance at the Old Bailey, a sketch by artist Elizabeth Cook showed Kerry wearing a grey sweatshirt with brown hair, a moustache and stubble. Prosecutor Alistair Richardson said Ms Widdecombe missed a pre-arranged online interview on July 8 for Channel 5's Matt Allwright show. The production team contacted her personal assistant, who asked a gardener to check on her.
Court proceedings
Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier heard that Kerry allegedly used a hammer to hit Ms Widdecombe's head 21 times and took a wallet from her handbag before leaving. A provisional cause of death was blunt force injury to the head.
Kerry appeared emotionless in the dock, only confirming his name, date of birth and address. He is next due at the Old Bailey on October 9 for a case management hearing, followed by a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 20.
Investigation and background
Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, said detectives are still investigating any possible political or terrorist motivation. Ms Widdecombe's inquest was opened at Exeter Coroners' Court on Tuesday, with senior coroner Philip Spinney stating that the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.
Ms Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010 and held ministerial roles under Sir John Major. She later joined the Brexit Party and Reform UK, serving as its immigration and justice spokesperson at the time of her death. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Her death follows the murders of Tory MP Sir David Amess in 2021 and Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for a serious review of MPs' security.
