Ann Widdecombe Murder: Prosecutors Detail Brutal Hammer Attack in Court

Former UK government minister Ann Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer during a fatal attack at her Devon home, prosecutors told a London court on Tuesday, as the man accused of her murder appeared before a magistrate.

Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with Widdecombe's murder. Prosecutor Kashif Malik alleged that Kerry drove to the former politician's isolated home in Haytor on July 8, entered while she was eating lunch, repeatedly assaulted her with a hammer, and stole her wallet before leaving. Security camera footage inside the house allegedly captured the attack, which prosecutors said lasted about two minutes. Kerry is also accused of asking about bank cards before launching the assault.

A provisional post mortem found blunt force trauma to the head as the cause of death. Widdecombe, 78, was discovered the following day by her gardener after she failed to appear for a scheduled television interview.

Kerry was arrested on July 11 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, more than 250 miles from the crime scene. Although he has been charged only with murder, police continue to investigate whether the killing had a political or terrorist motive, with Counter Terrorism Policing overseeing the inquiry. The Crown Prosecution Service has urged the public to avoid commentary that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.

Following his appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Kerry was remanded in custody. The case has been sent to the Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court), where he is due to appear on October 9, while a provisional trial has been listed for June 2027. An inquest into Widdecombe's death has been opened and adjourned until the criminal proceedings conclude.

Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, was a minister under Prime Minister John Major, later became a Brexit Party MEP, and most recently was associated with Reform UK. Her killing has reignited concerns about the safety of British politicians following the murders of MPs Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021.