Prosecutors say anti-Reform hostility motivated Widdecombe murder charge
Prosecutors told a court that Joshua Kerry was motivated by an extreme left-wing or anti-establishment mindset and hostility towards Reform UK. He is charged with murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe and with a terrorism offence relating to Nigel Farage; prosecutors say the alleged murder had a political and ideological motive.
Widdecombe died on 8 July after being struck on the head with a hammer at her home in Devon. Kerry, 28, is accused of researching prominent people and travelling to, and attempting to enter, Farage’s home, as well as compiling a list that included Farage and Widdecombe. He was remanded in custody until his next hearing in January and was not asked to enter pleas.
- Kerry denies no charges in court; he was not asked to enter pleas.
- Prosecutors allege ideological motives behind the murder charge.
- The terrorism charge concerns alleged targeting of Nigel Farage.
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Ann Widdecombe was a former Member of Parliament who died on 8 July after being struck on the head with a hammer at her home in Devon. She had been a politician for many years before retiring from parliament.
Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man, has been charged with her murder and with a terrorism offence relating to Nigel Farage. Kerry is accused of researching prominent figures, attempting to reach Farage's home, and compiling a list that included both Farage and Widdecombe.
Farage is the founder of Reform UK, a political party. The combination of murder and terrorism charges indicates authorities are investigating whether Kerry's actions were motivated by political views, rather than being a random or personal attack.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Man charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe and targeting Nigel Farage was motivated by extreme left-wing mindset and hostility to Reform, court hears”.