Ann Widdecombe was hit on head repeatedly with hammer, prosecutors say
BBC News 2026-07-21 13:25:03
Context: Ann Widdecombe, a British politician, was murdered at her home in Devon, England, on July 8, after being hit with a hammer multiple times by Joshua Kerry, who prosecutors say acted in a brief but violent attack. Kerry, 28, from South Yorkshire, was charged with her murder and remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey. The motive behind the attack is not yet disclosed.
Key Facts
- Ann Widdecombe died after being hit on the head with a hammer 21 times at her Devon home, according to prosecutor Kashif Malik's statement at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
- Joshua Kerry, the 28-year-old accused of her murder, arrived at Widdecombe's house in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered through the front door while she was eating lunch on July 8.
- Prosecutors allege that Kerry was only in the property for two minutes, during which he hit Widdecombe repeatedly with a hammer, tipped her from her chair, and then took her wallet before driving off.
- Kerry, who is from South Yorkshire, was remanded in custody and is set to appear at the Old Bailey later.
- The cause of Ann Widdecombe's death has not yet been established, with an inquest into her death being reported separately.