Ann Widdecombe's cause of death has not yet been established, the opening of an inquest into her death has heard. The former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9, having suffered “visible injuries”, a brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday (July 21).
Inquest Details
Philip Spinney, senior coroner for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said Miss Widdecombe was found unresponsive in her home by an employee carrying out a welfare check after concerns were raised due to her being “uncontactable”. Emergency services were called to her address in Haytor Vale but she was pronounced dead at 12.20pm on July 9.
Mr Spinney said: “A post-mortem examination has taken place and at this stage the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established. Shortly after the conclusion of this hearing I shall be taking steps to formally suspend this inquest… Until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.”
Suspect Charged with Murder
Suspect Joshua Kerry, 28, has arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning (July 21) where he is due to appear charged with the murder of Widdecombe. Earlier a prison van was pictured arriving at the central London court. Kerry, who has been remanded into custody, was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Devon.
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 he has not been charged with this offence.
Prosecution Statement
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor. Police inquiries 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.”
Background
Ms Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to become an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
