Former British MP Ann Widdecombe Struck 21 Times With a Hammer While Eating Lunch, Prosecutors Reveal Details of Killing

Ann Widdecombe, a former British MP, was killed at her home in Haytor, Devon, after being struck 21 times in the head with a hammer while eating lunch. These claims were presented by prosecutors during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The man accused of the murder is 28-year-old Joshua Kerry from Rotherham. He has been remanded in custody, and proceedings against him will continue at the Old Bailey.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik said Kerry travelled to Widdecombe’s home in a red Vauxhall Corsa on 8 July and entered the property through the front door.

According to the prosecution’s account, the 28-year-old, who was wearing black gloves, remained inside the home for just two minutes. During that time, he allegedly struck Widdecombe several times with a hammer, knocked her off her chair and took her purse before leaving.

Shortly before 1:00 p.m. on 8 July, Widdecombe was due to take part in a scheduled online interview with Matt Allwright’s programme on Channel 5, but she failed to appear. After being unable to contact her, her personal assistant asked the gardener to go and check whether she was all right.

Prosecutors said the gardener entered the house on 9 July through an unlocked door. He found Widdecombe lying face down on the kitchen floor with severe head injuries. Emergency services were alerted immediately, but she was pronounced dead at 12:20 p.m. that day.

According to the prosecution, security camera footage shows that the attack took place a day before she was found. Investigators are still examining whether the killing was linked to terrorism or had political motives.

During his court appearance, Joshua Kerry showed no emotion in the dock. He spoke only to confirm his identity and did not enter a plea.

The court also heard that a pathologist had provisionally determined the cause of death to be a head injury caused by blunt-force trauma. However, at the opening of the inquest, it was clarified that the final medical cause of death has not yet been established.

Ann Widdecombe had built a long career in British politics. She served for 23 years as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and also held ministerial posts in Sir John Major’s government during the 1990s.