DEVON / ROTHERHAM — A 28-year-old man from Rotherham has been charged with the murder of former MP and Reform UK party spokesperson Ann Widdecombe.
Joshua Kerry will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed.
The Attack
Ms Widdecombe's body was found with "serious injuries" by ambulance services at her home in Haytor Vale, Devon, at 11:40am on Thursday, 9 July. Devon and Cornwall Police believe the 78-year-old was attacked the previous day at 12:30pm.
Terror Investigation
Counter-terrorism policing south-east took over the case last Monday after new information and evidence emerged. Police inquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.
CPS Statement
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor of the CPS special crime and counter-terrorism division, said:
"We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor. Police inquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection. Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses."
He added: "We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Arrests
Kerry, described by police as a white British national, was arrested in Rotherham and remains in custody. Devon and Cornwall Police initially arrested a 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot but later released him, confirming he is no longer part of the investigation.