Ann Widdecombe’s murder suspect appears in court for first time

A man charged with the murder of Anne Widdecombe has appeared in court for the first time.

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, wore a grey tracksuit as he was accompanied by an officer in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

Ann, 78, was killed in her home in Dartmoor on July 9 just minutes after completing an interview.

Police said the Reform UK spokeswoman 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.

New details have also emerged about how Ann’s body was discovered ‘unresponsive with visible injuries’ at her home.

During a brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court on Today, coroner Philip Spinney said ‘concerns were raised’ when Ann became ‘uncontactable’, so an employee carried out a ‘welfare check’ at her home.

He told the inquest: ‘Miss Widdecombe was located within her property. She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries. The emergency services were called and she was sadly declared deceased at the scene.

Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division said last night: ‘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.’

Ann entered politics as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987 before going on to be an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She found fame outside of politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

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.’

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