Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday that former MP Ann Widdecombe died after being hit 21 times on her head with a hammer. A provisional cause of death was given as a “blunt force injury to the head”.
Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, has been charged with her murder. He was arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11 and later further arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but has not been charged with that offence.
Details of the attack
Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that on July 8, Miss Widdecombe was eating lunch when Kerry allegedly pulled up outside her house in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered through the front door. He then walked to the Reform UK spokeswoman’s kitchen and used a hammer to strike her on the top of her head 21 times, the court heard.
Kerry then allegedly tipped Miss Widdecombe from her chair, took a wallet from her handbag, and left the property, having been inside for only two minutes.
Court appearance and remand
Kerry appeared emotionless in the dock, speaking only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him in custody until his next court appearance at the Old Bailey on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Goldspring told Kerry: “You’re charged with an offence of murder which can only be dealt with in a crown court. You are therefore remanded into custody and sent to crown court.”
Discovery of the body
The court also heard that Ann Widdecombe was found by her gardener lying face down on her kitchen floor with a serious head injury. On July 8, she had missed a pre-arranged online interview scheduled for just before 1pm, which was to be aired live on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show. The production team contacted her personal assistant, who asked the gardener to check on her. He entered the house via the open front door on July 9 and found her.
