A man has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe with detectives still exploring 800 leads on the killing of the Reform UK spokeswoman.
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning to face the single charge of murder.
Ann, 78, was killed in her home in Dartmoor on July 9 just minutes after completing in an interview.
Police say she died of serious injuries sustained in a ‘targeted attack’. Her body was found the next day.
Two days after he was arrested for murder, Kerry was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but has not been charged with this offence.
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Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said he offered his ‘deepest condolences’ to the family of Anne Widdecombe at a press conference outside New Scotland Yard.
‘We have charged Joshua Kerry with her murder’, he told reportes.
‘He is still in custody.
‘It remains the case we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.’
He added: ‘I want to make it very clear that our investigation into this individual determining his motivations and any wider activity he might have been involved in, is continuing.
‘Given Ann Widdecombe’s profile and the targeted nature of the attack, determining the motivation including any possible political motivation remains an active avenue of investigation with our detectives.’
‘This has been, and remains, a particularly intensive and complex investigation. Over the last week, our teams have gathered a huge amount of information, leading to over 800 lines of inquiry. Each of those needs assessing carefully and thoroughly, and I ask that we are given the time to do that.’
‘As always, to ensure the best outcome for victims and their families, we must do this right, not just quickly, and I reiterate my request for the support of the public in this.’
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division said: ‘We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor.
‘Police enquiries into the defendant’s motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.
‘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.
‘We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.
‘It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.’
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a serious review of MPs’ safety after she died, and Mr Taylor said officers are working with parliamentary officials to make politicians aware of protection measures that are in place.
He said: ‘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.
‘We are working closely with the Speaker of the House and the relevant authorities to ensure elected officials are aware of what we have in place to protect them.’