Police are investigating social media posts after a university employee triggered outrage by wishing an agonising death on Ann Widdecombe. Heather Herbert, a web developer at the University of Aberdeen, faced instant condemnation after responding to news of the 78-year-old politician's death on her Bluesky social media profile.
Disturbing Comments and Backlash
She wrote: "Some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death. I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony." The appalling comments were published online before police confirmed they had opened a murder investigation. Despite being subjected to a torrent of death threats since the posts went viral, Herbert said she has no plans to remove them.
Now a Police Scotland spokesperson said the force was looking into the incident. They added: "We received reports on Saturday, July 11 relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out."
Herbert's Justification
Speaking to the Metro, Herbert said: "I'm not a hypocrite, the manner of her death does change how I feel about her. Obviously I don't want to see anyone murdered but I'm not sad she's dead." Justifying her remarks, Herbert referenced Widdecombe's own statements during a 2019 address at the Oxford Union. The politician said: "Nobody has the right to live their lives being protected from offence or from insults or from hurt feelings. It is an occupational hazard of living in society. And if you really can't take it become a hermit."
Responding to the backlash, Herbert stated: "I do feel it's somewhat telling that the death threats are from people who have for the last few years called me a snowflake for being upset that they call me a peado (sic) or groomer or freak. It's almost like the campaign for free speech isn't really about free speech."
Reference to Widdecombe's Past Role
Herbert explained her graphic "handcuffed to the bed" comment was a reference to Widdecombe's past role as prisons minister. She said: "It's a story from when [Ann] was prisons minister. She apparently complained that a female inmate in labour wasn't chained to the bed in order to prevent her escape. It's disputed."
The University of Aberdeen has sought to distance itself from the controversy, initiating an immediate investigation. Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Edwards, commented: "Ann Widdecombe was a highly respected figure in both the Westminster and European parliaments. The University of Aberdeen does not tolerate violence or hateful behaviour in any form. We are aware of the incident and the concerns that have been raised and are looking into the matter as a priority."
University Response
The institution also issued a statement on Facebook, stating: "The university is aware of social media posts made by a member of staff regarding the death of Ann Widdecombe and is reviewing this as a matter of priority. The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual's own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen. Complaints into any member of staff are handled confidentially through our established processes."
The online furore comes after Widdecombe's body was discovered at her isolated Dartmoor residence. Alarm bells were reportedly raised when she failed to respond to messages and didn't turn up for a planned interview.
Murder Investigation
Police investigating the suspected killing have detained a 28-year-old white British man in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Anti-terror officers have assumed control of the investigation into Widdecombe's death following "new information" emerging, authorities confirmed.
