Man charged with murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe

A 28-year-old man appeared in court Tuesday, July 21, 2026, charged with murdering former minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe, who prosecutors allege was struck 21 times with a hammer in a targeted attack at her Devon home earlier this month.

Joshua Kerry, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court and sent to the Old Bailey for a further hearing later the same day. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address. The charge follows an investigation now being led by counter-terrorism police, who are continuing to examine Kerry's motives, including any potential political or terrorist connection. Kerry was arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11 and later additionally arrested on suspicion of terrorism offenses, though he has only been formally charged with murder.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik outlined the alleged sequence of events to the court. On July 8, Widdecombe, 78, was eating lunch at her remote bungalow, Widdecombe's Rest, in Haytor on Dartmoor when Kerry allegedly arrived in a red Vauxhall Corsa just after midday. Footage from a camera inside the home showed Kerry entering via the front door and...