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4w ago

Man Charged With Murder of Former UK Minister Ann Widdecombe

Prosecutors say the charge follows court disclosures of an alleged 21‑hammer strike killing as police continue to probe whether the attack had a political or terrorist motive.

Die britische Staatsanwaltschaft hat einen 28-Jährigen wegen des Mordes an der früheren Ministerin Ann Widdecombe angeklagt.
Eine Zeichnung zeigt den Angeklagten Joshua Kerry vor Gericht
Image
Der mutmaßliche Mörder von Ann Widdecombe, Joshua Kerry (l.): Er soll noch am Dienstag vor Gericht erscheinen. (Themenbild)

Overview

  • Widdecombe was found dead at her Devon home on 9 July, and police said her body showed severe injuries after lying undiscovered for about a day.
  • A 28‑year‑old man was arrested in South Yorkshire and formally charged with murder by the Crown Prosecution Service on 20 July.
  • At a Westminster hearing on 21 July prosecutors said the defendant allegedly struck Widdecombe about 21 times with a hammer, causing a fatal skull‑brain trauma and that the attacker took her wallet.
  • Investigators moved the case to the national counter‑terror unit after signs it may have been a targeted killing, but no separate terrorism charge has been filed and motive remains under active inquiry.
  • The case has drawn intense media attention because Widdecombe was a prominent conservative and Brexit supporter, and prosecutors have asked the public and press not to publish material that could prejudice the trial, which is provisionally set to begin in June 2027.