Joshua Kerry, 28, charged with the murder of politician Ann Widdecombe and with targeting Nigel Farage's home, allegedly held extreme left-wing views and was "particularly hostile" toward Reform UK, a court has heard.
Kerry was charged with preparation of terrorist acts between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026, when he was charged with Widdecombe's murder. The 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman and veteran Tory politician died after being struck over the head with a hammer 21 times in the kitchen of her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon.
Alleged research and targeting
It is alleged Kerry carried out research on leading figures and institutions over two years and reportedly attempted to gain entry to Mr Farage's south London home on April 18 last year. Others named on a list uncovered during the investigation are said to include Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform MPs Richard Tice, Lee Anderson and Robert Jenrick.
On Friday, Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared at the Old Bailey before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb. The judge set a trial before a High Court judge on June 8 and a plea and case management hearing on January 29.
Prosecution alleges terrorist connection
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC said the Crown alleges Kerry held extreme left-wing and/or anti-establishment views and was "particularly hostile" toward the Reform party. He alleged the murder of Ms Widdecombe had a "terrorist connection" and was "inextricably linked" to Kerry's earlier activities.
Outlining the allegations, Mr Polnay said: "The prosecution case is that on July 8 2026 the defendant drove 265 miles from his home in Rotherham to Ann Widdecombe's home in Devon where he murdered her. He drove there in a Vauxhall Corsa with a hammer and gloves then gained access to Ms Widdecombe's home and went into the kitchen where Ms Widdecombe was having lunch and struck her 21 times, killing her."
"He was in the address for approximately two minutes before leaving and driving away. He was arrested by police on July 11 2026."
Earlier Farage incident and court outcome
The defendant was later linked by investigators to an earlier incident at the south London home of Reform leader Mr Farage on April 19 last year. Mr Farage's partner Laure Ferrari had returned home to find damage to a front door and a bottle of lighter fluid in the porch, the court was told. 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 also uncovered alleged evidence on a phone of research into the home and office addresses of a number of political and prominent figures between May 31, 2024, and July 8, including those of Ms Widdecombe and Mr Farage.
Nicholas Lumley KC, defending, told the court that Kerry was likely to contest all the charges against him. Wearing a grey tracksuit, the bearded defendant spoke only to confirm his identity during the hearing. Kerry, who appeared by videolink from Belmarsh jail in south London, was remanded into custody.
