The shocking Ann Widdecombe murder case has taken a grim turn as a court heard she was hit on the head repeatedly with a hammer. Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared in Westminster magistrates court charged with killing the former MP at her Devon home.
Details of the Hammer Attack
Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that security camera footage showed Widdecombe being fatally attacked on 8 July. Kerry allegedly entered her bungalow through the front door while she was eating lunch, striking her 21 times with a hammer before stealing her wallet.
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Kerry is said to have driven from his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, to the property. He was inside the house for only about two minutes before fleeing. The alarm was raised when Widdecombe missed a pre-arranged online interview for Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.
Investigation and Arrest
Her gardener found Widdecombe lying face down on the kitchen floor the following morning. Emergency services declared her dead at the scene. A pathologist gave a provisional cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head. Kerry was arrested on 11 July after being linked to a red Vauxhall Corsa seen outside the bungalow.
The case was later taken over by counter-terrorism officers. Kerry was rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Police are investigating whether there was a political or terrorism motivation for the murder.
Key Case Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Ann Widdecombe (78), former MP and Reform UK spokesperson |
| Accused | Joshua Kerry (28), from Rotherham |
| Weapon | Hammer, 21 blows |
| Date of Attack | 8 July |
| Arrest Date | 11 July |
| Current Status | In custody, terrorism investigation ongoing |
Key Takeaways
- The hammer attack on Ann Widdecombe lasted only two minutes.
- Kerry allegedly stole her wallet after the fatal assault.
- Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation.
- The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly public figures.
FAQ
Who was Ann Widdecombe?
Ann Widdecombe was a former Conservative MP and a well-known public figure. She served as a minister under Margaret Thatcher and later became a spokesperson for Reform UK.
What is the alleged motive for the murder?
The motive is still under investigation. Counter-terrorism officers are examining if there was any political or extremist motivation behind the attack.
Where did the attack happen?
The attack occurred at Widdecombe's bungalow in Haytor, Devon. She was eating lunch when Kerry allegedly entered through the front door.
How many times was she hit?
The court heard she was hit on the head with a hammer 21 times, causing blunt force trauma that led to her death.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the political and media world. As the case proceeds, more details are expected to emerge about the Ann Widdecombe murder and the suspect’s background.
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