An inquest into the death of Ann Widdecombe has been opened, as the 78-year-old former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9. The hearing at Exeter Coroner's Court on Tuesday, July 21, heard that she suffered “visible injuries”.
Murder Charge and Court Appearance
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with murder. He was first arrested on suspicion of murder two days after Widdecombe was found with serious injuries at her home.
Opening the inquest, senior coroner Philip Spinney said Miss Widdecombe was found unresponsive by an employee carrying out a welfare check after concerns were raised that she was “uncontactable”. Emergency services were called to her address in Haytor Vale, but she was pronounced dead at 12.20pm on July 9.
Post-Mortem and Adjournment
Mr Spinney stated: “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.”
During the brief hearing, the coroner detailed: “Ann Noreen Widdecombe died at Widdecombe’s Rest, Haytor Vale, Haytor, Newton Abbott, Devon, on 9th July 2026 at 12.20. The circumstances of death are as follows. 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.”
Mr Spinney added: “The inquest is now adjourned and in light of the information a 28-year-old gentleman is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today charged with Miss Widdecombe’s murder.” The coroner offered his “deep condolences” to the family.
