Ann Widdecombe struck 21 times with hammer in attack caught on camera, court told

Court hears attack details

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday that Joshua Kerry, 28, drove to Ann Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Devon, on July 8. Prosecutor Kashif Malik said doorbell and hallway cameras captured Kerry arriving and entering while Widdecombe ate lunch. Kerry asked for bank cards and identification, then struck her 21 times on the head with a hammer, pushed her from her chair, and took her wallet. The provisional cause of death was blunt force head trauma.

He repeatedly beat her with the hammer and then took her wallet as he left.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead by her gardener on July 9 after missing a Channel 5 interview. Police believe she was attacked around 12:30 the previous day. A hammer and black gloves with her DNA were later found in bins near Kerry's home.

Investigation and charges

Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on July 11, more than 400 km from the crime scene. He was initially held on suspicion of murder. While in custody, new evidence led to his re-arrest on July 13 on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. He has not been charged with that offence. A 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot was initially arrested but released without charge. Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor of the CPS special crime and counter-terrorism division, said the decision to charge Kerry followed a police investigation that established sufficient evidence.

Police inquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.

As with all murder investigations, understanding the 'why' is a key part of our enquiries.

Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, described the investigation as "particularly intensive and complex", with more than 800 lines of enquiry. He confirmed officers are not looking for anyone else. Kerry spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address during the hearing.

Widdecombe's political life

Ann Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010, holding ministerial roles including prisons minister under John Major. Known for socially conservative views, she opposed abortion, same-sex marriage, and transgender rights, and advocated the return of the death penalty. After leaving Parliament, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She later joined the Brexit Party, serving as an MEP until 2020, and in 2023 became immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK.

Safety fears for MPs

The killing has intensified concerns over political violence. Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a serious review of MPs' safety. Taylor said counter-terrorism officers are working with the Speaker of the House and parliamentary authorities to ensure elected officials are aware of protection measures.

I know many have been understandably concerned about their own safety after this horrendous attack, particularly after hearing about the nature of the attack she endured in her own home.

The murder follows the killings of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 and Conservative MP David Amess in 2021, both by attackers with extremist motives.