The cause of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe’s death has not yet been established, an inquest into her death has heard. The 78-year-old was found with “visible injuries” at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9, a brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday.
Inquest Details
Philip Spinney, senior coroner for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said Miss Widdecombe was found unresponsive by an employee after concerns were raised because she was “uncontactable”. Emergency services were called to the house, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the inquest opening, Mr Spinney stated: “Concerns were raised that Miss Widdecombe was uncontactable so an employee who was due at her home address was asked to carry out a welfare check. 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. A post mortem examination has taken place and at this stage the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.”
Murder Charge
Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with her murder. Kerry, who has been remanded into custody, was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after Miss Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon.
Two days after his arrest for murder, Kerry was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but he has not been charged with this offence.
