Ann Widdecombe murder: suspect Joshua Kerry charged with 21 hammer blows

Former British MP and minister Ann Widdecombe was bludgeoned to death with 21 hammer blows in her home in Haytor, Devon, on 8 July 2026, prosecutors disclosed on 21 July during the first court appearance of the accused, Joshua Kerry. Source: Clarin, El Mundo

The attack

According to prosecutor Kashif Malik, Kerry drove more than 400 kilometres from his home in Rotherham to Widdecombe's isolated house. He entered through the front door while she was having lunch and struck her 21 times in the head with a hammer. The assault lasted approximately two minutes and was captured on an internal security camera. Kerry then stole her purse and fled. Source: Infobae, El País

Some reports placed the distance at 480 km rather than 426 km, and one source said she was having breakfast instead of lunch, reflecting minor inconsistencies in early press accounts. Source: Heraldo MX

The victim and the investigation

Widdecombe, 78, was a Conservative MP for 23 years and served as prisons minister under John Major. Later she joined the Brexit Party and Reform UK, becoming a prominent figure known for conservative social views. Source: La Vanguardia Her body was found on 9 July by her gardener after she missed a scheduled TV interview. Source: El Mundo

Kerry was arrested on 11 July in South Yorkshire. Initially held on murder suspicion, he was later re-arrested on terror charges as police investigate a possible political or extremist motive. Source: Clarin The counter-terrorism unit is leading the inquiry, but no clear motive has yet been established. Source: Heraldo MX

What's next

Kerry appeared impassive in court, only confirming his identity. He was remanded in custody, with a preliminary trial date set for 8 June 2027. Source: Infobae, El País The case has reignited concerns about the safety of elected officials in Britain, following the murders of Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021. Source: El Mundo