Prosecutors have told a court that former Conservative minister and reality TV star Ann Widdecombe was killed after being struck 21 times on the head with a hammer. The allegation was made during the first appearance of Joshua Kerry, 28, at Westminster Magistrates Court, where he was charged with her murder.
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, earlier this month. The court heard that she was discovered by her gardener lying face down on her kitchen floor. Prosecutors said the attack was captured on camera and that Kerry had entered the property through an open front door while she was eating lunch.
Kerry, who appeared in the dock wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address. He was not asked to enter a plea and was remanded in custody. The case was sent to the Crown Court, where a further hearing is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Maidstone and later for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 to 2010. During her parliamentary career, she held several ministerial roles, including Minister of State for Prisons and Minister of State for Employment. After leaving the Commons, she became a well-known television personality, appearing on shows such asStrictly Come DancingandI'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
In later years, she became a prominent figure in the Brexit movement and served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party from 2019 to 2020. She also acted as a spokesperson for Reform UK, the party led by Richard Tice and Nigel Farage.
The killing has shocked the local community in Devon and drawn widespread reaction from across the political spectrum. Former colleagues described her as a dedicated public servant and a formidable political figure. Tributes were paid by figures from both the Conservative Party and the Brexit movement, with many highlighting her distinctive voice and unwavering convictions.
Police had launched a murder investigation shortly after her body was discovered. The swift arrest of Kerry followed an examination of CCTV footage and other evidence gathered at the scene, according to sources close to the inquiry. Detectives have not disclosed a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The case has also raised questions about home security for public figures, particularly those who have retired from active political life. Ms Widdecombe lived alone in a rural property, and it is understood that she had no full-time security arrangements in place.
Kerry is next due to appear at Exeter Crown Court. No date has yet been set for a trial. The prosecution is expected to present further evidence, including forensic reports and the camera footage, during the preliminary hearings.
