Joshua Kerry trial: suspect had 'extreme left-wing' hostility to Reform UK

Joshua Kerry, 28, is accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe and preparing terrorist acts. Prosecutors say he held a "particular hostility to Reform" and political motives.

Widdecombe murder suspect targeted Reform UK out of ideological hatred, Old Bailey hears

Joshua Kerry, 28, harboured a "particular hostility to Reform" and held an "extreme left-wing and/or anti-establishment mindset", prosecutors told the Old Bailey on Friday, according to bbc.com.

Kerry faces two charges: the murder of Ann Widdecombe and a separate count of preparing terrorist acts. The prosecution argued the killing carried a "terrorist connection" because it was "politically and ideologically motivated", and asked the court to join the two charges into a single case. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb agreed, ruling the offences were "inextricably linked".

Kerry had already been charged with Widdecombe's murder in July. Last week a further charge of preparing terrorist acts was added. Prosecutors allege he conducted "online reconnaissance" of prominent individuals and institutions, travelled to Nigel Farage's home in South London on 19 April 2025, and attempted to break into the property — 15 months before Widdecombe was killed.

He appeared at Friday's hearing by video link from Belmarsh prison, dressed in a prison-issue grey sweatshirt. The judge set a five-week trial to begin on 8 June next year; a further preliminary hearing is scheduled for 29 January. Nicholas Lumley KC, representing Kerry, told the court his client was likely to contest all charges.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead on 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon, having sustained serious injuries. During an earlier hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, prosecutors said she had been struck on the head with a hammer 21 times while eating lunch.

A former Conservative MP, Widdecombe represented Maidstone and the Weald in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial posts under Sir John Major in the 1990s. She joined Reform in 2019. After leaving Parliament she appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and reached the final of Celebrity Big Brother eight years later.

Source: Google News MT