Joshua Kerry, 28, charged with terror plot against Nigel Farage's home

Joshua Kerry, accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe, also faces a terrorism charge over an alleged break-in attempt at Nigel Farage's home.

Murder suspect charged with terror offence targeting Reform leader Farage

Joshua Kerry, 28, the man charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on a separate terrorism charge, independent.co.uk reports. Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, faces one count of preparation of terrorist acts under section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006.

The charge relates to an alleged series of acts between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026, including online reconnaissance on prominent individuals and institutions. Prosecutors say Kerry identified the home address of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and travelled to the property, allegedly attempting to force entry on 19 April last year.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that Farage's partner returned home the following day to find part of the wooden door frame hanging off and a bottle of lighter fluid on the porch. A forensic examination uncovered a tool mark on the door, "the inference being that an attempt was made to gain entry to the house", Malik said.

Kerry is also accused of targeting Reform UK spokeswoman Widdecombe at her home in Haytor, Devon. The 78-year-old former prisons minister was killed on 8 July after being struck over the head 21 times with a hammer.

Wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, Kerry spoke only to confirm his identity during the brief hearing. Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him in custody, directing him to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday. "Mr Kerry, the terrorism charge which you face is indictable only, which means I must send it to the crown court," Goldspring told the defendant.

Counter Terrorism Policing announced the fresh charges last week. Deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the inquiry as "a hugely intensive and complex investigation". "The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the Counter Terrorism Policing network," Evans said. "This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of enquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge."

Source: The Sun