Former UK Minister Ann Widdecombe Allegedly Killed After Being Struck 21 Times with a Hammer, Court Hears

Former UK Minister Ann Widdecombe Allegedly Killed After Being Struck 21 Times with a Hammer, Court Hears she missed a pre-arranged online interview scheduled for just before 1pm.The Reform UK spokesperson was found by her gardener lying face down on her kitchen floor with serious head injuries, prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The court claims came as Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, appeared in court charged with Ann’s murder this afternoon. Kerry is accused of walking into Ann’s kitchen and using a hammer to hit her on the head 21 times, the court heard.

The suspect then allegedly tipped Ann from her chair and took a wallet out of her handbag before leaving and driving off, the court was told. The prosecution claims Kerry was only inside the property for two minutes.

Kerry was wearing a grey tracksuit in the dock at Westminster Magistrates Court, speaking only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.He appeared at the Old Bailey later today, where he was remanded into custody. He will next appear at the same court on October 9.

Kerry was arrested for murder on July 11, two days after Ann was found dead.Two days after that, 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 also emerged at an inquest into Ann’s death about how her body was discovered ‘unresponsive with visible injuries’ at her home.

During a brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court 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 any way prejudice these proceedings.’