Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with preparation of terrorist acts between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026, the day he allegedly killed Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe, 78. The court heard she was struck 21 times with a hammer in the kitchen of her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, in an attack lasting about two minutes.
Alleged plot and earlier incident
Before the killing, Kerry is said to have spent nearly two years researching prominent people and institutions. He is also alleged to have tried to gain entry to the south London home of Nigel Farage on April 19 last year as part of a suspected firebomb attack. Following his arrest, investigators found a list including the names of Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform MPs Richard Tice, Lee Anderson, and Robert Jenrick.
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC said the Crown alleges Kerry held extreme left-wing and/or anti-establishment views and was 'particularly hostile' towards the Reform party. He told the court the murder of Ms Widdecombe had a 'terrorist connection' and was 'inextricably linked' to Kerry's earlier activities.
Court proceedings and evidence
Kerry, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, who set a trial before a High Court judge on June 8 and a plea and case management hearing on January 29. Mr Polnay outlined that on July 8, 2026, Kerry drove 265 miles from Rotherham to Devon in a Vauxhall Corsa with a hammer and gloves, gained access to Ms Widdecombe's home, and struck her 21 times before leaving. He was arrested on July 11, 2026.
The court also heard that Mr Farage's partner Laure Ferrari found damage to a front door and a bottle of lighter fluid in the porch after the April incident. A mark on the door was said to have been made by a 27mm blade edge, which Mr Polnay suggested 'clearly represented an attempt to get inside the house'. Police uncovered alleged evidence on a phone of research into home and office addresses of political figures, and a note containing the list of names.
Mr Polnay said an analysis of Kerry's phone suggested an 'extreme left-wing and/or anti-establishment mindset'. Nicholas Lumley KC, defending, said Kerry was likely to contest all charges. Kerry, wearing a grey tracksuit and appearing by videolink from Belmarsh jail, spoke only to confirm his identity and was remanded into custody.
