Court told Ann Widdecombe was ‘murdered in hammer attack’ after man entered home

WorldPolitics
22 Jul 2026 • 12:26 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Court told Ann Widdecombe was ‘murdered in hammer attack’ after man entered home

  • Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, 78, at her remote bungalow in Haytor, Devon, where he allegedly struck her 21 times with a hammer and took her wallet.
  • The alleged attack occurred shortly after midday on Wednesday 8 July, with doorbell and hallway cameras capturing the suspect's arrival and the incident, during which he reportedly asked for bank cards and ID.
  • Ms Widdecombe was discovered face-down on her kitchen floor the following day by a gardener, after missing a scheduled interview, with a provisional cause of death given as a blunt force injury to the head.
  • Kerry was arrested days later at his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where a hammer and black gloves, found to contain Ms Widdecombe's DNA, were recovered from bins outside his property.
  • He has been remanded in custody following appearances at Westminster Magistrates' Court and the Old Bailey, with a provisional trial date set for June 2027, while police continue to investigate the motivation, including any potential political motive, behind the attack.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved