Ex-UK minister Ann Widdecombe killed with 21 hammer blows, court told

Former British minister Ann Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer while eating lunch at her home, prosecutors told a London court. Source: BBC, AP, CNN

The Attack

Prosecutor Kashif Malik said Joshua Kerry, 28, entered Widdecombe’s home in Haytor, Devon, on July 8 and hit her repeatedly. He took her wallet and left within two minutes. Source: Guardian, SCMP Widdecombe’s body was found the next day after she missed a TV interview. Source: BBC

The Investigation

Kerry was arrested on July 11 in Rotherham and later rearrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. Source: Al Jazeera Counter-terrorism police are investigating a possible political motive. Source: Guardian He appeared in court on July 21 and was remanded in custody. Source: CNN

Reactions

Widdecombe’s death has renewed concerns about politicians’ security. She is the third MP killed in recent years. Source: AP, CNN Her career spanned decades as a Conservative MP and later a Brexit Party MEP. Source: BBC