Former MP Ann Widdecombe Found Dead at Home as 28-Year-Old Joshua Kerry Faces Charge in Alleged Targeted Attack
The investigation into the death of former British MP Ann Widdecombe has entered a new stage more than a week after she was found dead at her home in Devon. Police and prosecutors have continued working on the case while several parts of the investigation remain ongoing.
Counter Terrorism Policing said detectives are still examining what led to the attack, including whether there was any political motive. Authorities have also said the investigation is continuing as the case moves into the court process.
According to the BBC, a 28-year-old man has now been charged with Widdecombe’s murder. The Crown Prosecution Service said Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Some of the biggest questions remain unanswered
Kerry was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11. Two days later, he was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9 after sustaining serious injuries. The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East with support from Devon and Cornwall Police. During proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, prosecutors alleged that Widdecombe was struck on the head 21 times with a hammer while eating lunch at her home. They also told the court that the attack was captured on camera.
In a statement read outside New Scotland Yard, Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, said, “I want to make it very clear that our investigation into [Kerry], determining his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in is continuing.” He added, “As with all murder investigations, understanding the ‘why’ is a key part of our enquiries,” describing it as “a particularly intensive and complex investigation.”
Taylor also said investigators are not seeking anyone else in connection with the case. He said officers have developed more than 800 lines of enquiry while determining whether there was “any possible political motivation.”
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it had authorized the murder charge after reviewing the evidence submitted by police. Frank Ferguson, of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said, “Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses.”
He added, “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.” Ferguson also said, “It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”
Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial roles in John Major’s government during the 1990s. After leaving the House of Commons, she appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. She later served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party, representing South West England. In 2023, she joined Reform UK as a party spokeswoman.
Following Widdecombe’s death, political leaders from across the UK paid tribute to her public career. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, described her as a “remarkable individual” and “the fiercest defender of free speech.” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who previously pushed conservative views on bathroom gender neutrality, described Widdecombe as a “very fun and feisty woman”, adding her “heart is breaking for [Widdecombe’s] family”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, after unveiling his new cabinet and outlining his government’s agenda, said, “Ann gave a lifetime of public service.” Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said he was “shocked and distressed” by the news and described Widdecombe as a “woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service.”
(Featured Image: catch21productions, CC BY 2.0)
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