The man accused of killing former minister Ann Widdecombe harboured an intense grudge against Reform UK and was driven by an extreme anti-establishment ideology, prosecutors told the Old Bailey on Friday.
Joshua Kerry, 28, is accused of bludgeoning the 78-year-old politician to death inside her Devon home earlier this year. Appearing by video link from HM Prison Belmarsh, Kerry wore a standard grey prison sweatshirt and spoke only to confirm his basic details.
During the hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service outlined what it described as a clearly ideological crime. Crown lawyers argued the killing carried a direct terrorist connection, describing Kerry as an individual steeped in radical left-wing or anti-establishment views who developed a specific animosity toward the populist Reform party.
Terrorism Charges Added to Murder Count
Kerry was initially charged with Widdecombe's murder shortly after she was found dead on 9 July. However, detectives expanded the scope of the investigation in recent weeks. A second charge—preparing acts of terrorism—was formally brought against him last week.
Prosecutors allege that Kerry engaged in systematic online reconnaissance targeting prominent public figures and institutions. As part of that alleged campaign, he reportedly travelled to south London to monitor the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, allegedly attempting to break into the property 15 months prior to Widdecombe's death.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb approved an application by the prosecution to link both matters. The murder count and the terrorism charge will now be heard together in a single proceeding.
Defending Kerry, Nicholas Lumley KC indicated that his client expects to plead not guilty to every charge on the indictment. A provisional trial date has been scheduled for 8 June next year, with proceedings expected to last roughly five weeks.
A Brutal Attack in Haytor
Widdecombe was found with catastrophic head injuries inside her house in the small Dartmoor community of Haytor, Devon. The scene shocked neighbours in the quiet rural settlement where the former politician had lived for years.
At an earlier appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court, prosecutors revealed grim details of her final moments. The court heard Widdecombe was sitting down for lunch when an intruder struck her over the head with a hammer 21 times. Emergency services were called to the property, but she could not be saved.
The ferocity of the attack sent shockwaves through Westminster and heightened existing anxieties over the physical security of politicians and public figures across Britain.
Decades in the Public Eye
Widdecombe remained one of the country's most instantly recognisable political personalities, even decades after leaving government. She entered Parliament in 1987 as the Conservative MP for Maidstone, later representing Maidstone and the Weald until stepping down in 2010.
Known for her staunch social conservatism, uncompromising speaking style, and sharp wit, she rose through the ranks of Sir John Major's administration in the 1990s. She held ministerial posts across the Department of Social Security and the Home Office, where she served as prisons minister.
Later in her parliamentary career, Widdecombe served in William Hague's shadow cabinet as shadow home secretary, regularly clashing with Labour ministers over law and order.
When she left the Commons, her career took a distinctly different turn. She leaned into entertainment, surprising commentators by joining BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, where her partnership with Anton Du Beke earned her a cult following. In 2018, she finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother.
Yet she never truly walked away from politics. Disillusioned with the direction of the Conservative Party, she returned to the political frontline to back Nigel Farage, eventually becoming a prominent public voice and spokeswoman for Reform UK.
Kerry remains remanded in custody at Belmarsh pending further pre-trial hearings early next year.