Court Links Widdecombe Murder Case to Terrorism Charge

Prosecutors have linked the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe to an alleged politically motivated terrorist offense, telling the Old Bailey that defendant Joshua Kerry had a particular hostility toward Reform. The 28-year-old faces charges of murder and preparing terrorist acts, which the court has agreed to hear together. Prosecutors described Kerry as having an extreme left-wing or anti-establishment mindset.

They argued that the two charges were closely connected and should be considered in a single case. The prosecution said the killing had a "terrorist connection" because it was "politically and ideologically motivated".

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb approved the request to combine the charges. Kerry appeared by video link from Belmarsh prison, wearing a gray prison sweatshirt.

The judge scheduled a five-week trial to begin on 8 June 2027. The next hearing is set for 29 January 2027. Nicholas Lumley KC, representing Kerry, told the court that his client was likely to contest all the charges against him.

Kerry was charged with Widdecombe's murder in July. Last week, prosecutors brought a second charge alleging that he had prepared terrorist acts. The additional charge concerns alleged online reconnaissance of prominent individuals and institutions, as well as a journey to Nigel Farage's home in South London on 19 April 2025. Kerry is also accused of attempting to break into Farage's property approximately 15 months before Widdecombe was killed.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July. Prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates' Court in July that she had sustained serious injuries after being struck on the head with a hammer 21 times while eating lunch at home. Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald in Kent for 23 years.

She also held ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government during the 1990s. After leaving Parliament, Widdecombe joined Reform in 2019. She later appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.