Ann Widdecombe murder suspect had ‘hostility towards Reform’, court told

Ann Widdecombe murder suspect had ‘hostility towards Reform’, court told Joshua Kerry is accused of murdering the Reform UK spokeswoman and targeting Nigel Farage in an alleged terror plot - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe and trying to break into Nigel Farage’s home had a particular hostility towards Reform UK, a court heard. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with killing the Reform UK spokeswoman at her home in Haytor, Devon. The 78-year-old was found dead in July after she was struck over the head 21 times with a hammer. He has also been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Mr Farage, between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026. At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, the prosecution alleged Mr Kerry had been researching the home addresses and, in some cases, the office addresses of a number of politicians and other public figures. They were found in a note saved on his mobile phone, the court heard. Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC told the court: “He held a particular hostility towards Reform.” He told the court that it is the prosecution’s case that Ms Widdecombe’s murder has a “terrorist connection” and was politically and ideologically motivated, as he applied for the two charges to be joined. Mr Polnay claimed the two incidents are “inextricably linked”. Appearing via video link from HMP Belmarsh, wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, Mr Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, sat with his arms crossed and spoke only to confirm his identity during the brief hearing. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb remanded him in custody. He is due to stand trial for both charges on 8 June next year. More follows on this breaking news story... [Image text:] ELZABETHCCOK