A beloved former politician and reality TV star met a brutal end in her own home, according to ๐๐ฝ๐ธ๐ธ๐๐พ๐๐ details revealed in court this week. Ann Widdecombe, 78, was allegedly struck on the head with a hammer 21 times during a visit that lasted just two minutes.
The Reform UK spokeswoman was found face down on her kitchen floor by her gardener on July 9, after she missed a scheduled online interview. Westminster Magistratesโ Court heard that suspect Joshua Kerry, 28, allegedly pulled up outside her Dartmoor home as she was eating lunch, walked through the front door, and attacked her with a hammer before taking a wallet from her handbag.
Prosecutors described the attack as reportedly “planned and targeted,” carried out with a “ferocity of violence.” Kerry, from Rotherham, appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit and only spoke to confirm his name and date of birth. He has been remanded into custody and is due back at the Old Bailey on October 9.
Kerry was arrested two days after Annโs body was discovered, and later additionally arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses, though he has not been charged on that count. Authorities have not released a confirmed motive, but police are reportedly exploring a potential political or terrorist connection.
Ann Widdecombe first entered politics as a Conservative MP in 1987, later served as a Brexit Party MEP, and became a spokesperson for Reform UK. She gained mainstream fame appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Her death has sparked renewed calls for MP safety measures, with the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging a serious review.
An inquest revealed that concerns were raised when Ann became uncontactable, leading an employee to perform a welfare check. She was found unresponsive with visible injuries and declared dead at the scene.
As the investigation continues and court proceedings remain active, one haunting question lingers: what could drive someone to allegedly inflict such violence on a beloved public figure in the sanctuary of her own home?
