Ann Widdecombe murder probe shifts to suspected terrorism

The investigation into the killing of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe has taken a dramatic turn after detectives reclassified the case as a suspected terrorist attack.

Police have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murder and subsequently re-arrested him under terrorism legislation after investigators said they uncovered evidence suggesting a possible terrorist motive.

The suspect remains in police custody while officers continue questioning him.

Investigation takes dramatic turn

Detectives initially treated the death of the 78-year-old former Cabinet minister as a suspected burglary gone wrong after she was found fatally injured at her home in Devon.

However, the investigation has since escalated following the discovery of what police described as evidence indicating a potential terrorist connection.

Counter-terrorism powers are now being used as officers examine the suspect's background, possible motive and any links that may have influenced the attack.

Police have stressed that enquiries remain ongoing and have not disclosed the nature of the evidence that prompted the change in the investigation.

Suspect arrested in Yorkshire

The suspect, identified as Joshua Kerry, 28, was arrested at his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, during a large police operation involving armed officers.

Neighbours described seeing multiple police vehicles arrive before officers entered the property and took Kerry into custody. His vehicle was later removed for forensic examination.

He is currently being held under terrorism legislation, allowing detectives additional time to question him while enquiries continue.

Quiet neighbour leaves community stunned

Residents described Kerry as a quiet and polite man who largely kept to himself.

Neighbours said he had lived alone at the property following the death of his father last year and was well known locally for helping with everyday tasks such as accepting parcels and assisting elderly neighbours.

Former work colleagues also described him as a reliable employee before he reportedly left his job following his father's death.

Several neighbours said they were shocked by the arrest, describing it as completely out of character.

Focus now on motive

Police believe Ms Widdecombe was killed shortly after midday on 8 July, although investigators have not released details of how the attack unfolded.

Officers are now working to establish whether the former minister was deliberately targeted or whether other factors were involved.

Investigators are examining electronic devices, forensic evidence and the suspect's recent activities as part of the inquiry.

No further arrests have been announced.

Westminster awaits answers

The decision to investigate the case as suspected terrorism has significantly increased its political importance, raising questions over whether a serving or former public figure may have been targeted because of their public profile or political views.

At this stage, however, police have not confirmed any motive, and no terrorism charges have been brought.

Detectives say the investigation remains at an early stage and have urged the public not to speculate while enquiries continue.

As Britain awaits further developments, the case has become one of the country's most closely watched criminal investigations, with the outcome likely to have implications well beyond the murder inquiry itself..

SOURCE

You can see his politics just by looking at him. This awful case is a handy reminder to trust your own common sense, not the police, left wing msm or Starmer-bros on forums.

I suppose some good comes out of this, in that after every murder we will immediately be told the skin color of the perp IN CAPITALS. Right?

Edited July 18Jul 18 by SunnyinBangrak
Spelling

10 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

You can see his politics just by looking at him.

Funny. I thought the same thing.

So many seem to have that gormless look. Was probably a preemie and raised on a vegan diet.

Nice moobs too.

Update today of Ann Widdercombe's death. The poor old dear was hit over the head with a hammer over 20 times. A horrendouse crime comitted by this Monster.

Edited July 21Jul 21 by BarraMarra

The man charged with murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe is accused of hitting her 21 times with a hammer and taking her wallet, a court heard.

Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court

Joshua Kerry, 28, is alleged to have arrived at the Reform UK spokeswoman’s remote bungalow in Haytor, Devon, shortly after midday on Wednesday 8 July.

A doorbell camera captured the suspect’s red Vauxhall Corsa pulling up outside the property, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

A camera positioned in the hallway showed the 78-year-old politician sitting down eating lunch in the kitchen before the defendant allegedly entered via the front door and asked her: “Don’t suppose you have bank cards and ID?”

He is then alleged to have struck her 21 times on the head with the hammer before tipping her out of her chair and on to the floor.

Ms Widdecombe was discovered face-down on the kitchen floor the following day by a gardener, who had been asked to check on the former Conservative prisons minister after she missed an interview scheduled with Channel 5.

A provisional cause of death was given as a “blunt force injury to the head”, the court heard.

Kerry, who was arrested days later at his home 265 miles away in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit. He sat with his arms folded and spoke only to confirm his name , date of birth and address during the brief hearing.

A hammer and black gloves - on which Ms Widdecombe’s DNA was found - was recovered during a search of bins outside his property, prosecutor Kashir Malik said.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told the defendant: “You are charged with an offence of murder which can only be tried in the crown court.”

At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday afternoon, Kerry was remanded in custody by Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.

He was told to appear at the same court on 9 October for a case management hearing, with a further plea and trial preparation hearing on 20 November.

A provisional trial date was listed for 8 June 2027.

Announcing the charges on Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor said that establishing whether the attack was politically motivated remains an “active avenue of investigation”.

“I want to make it very clear that our investigation into this individual, determining his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in is continuing,” he said in a statement delivered outside Scotland Yard.

“Given Ann Widdecombe's profile and the targeted nature of the attack, determining the motivation, including any possible political motivation, remains an active avenue of investigation for our detectives. And as with all murder investigations, understanding the why is a key part of our inquiries.”

Ann Widdecombe 'struck with hammer 21 times', court hears

Nothing says "burglary gone wrong" more than driving 400 miles then smashing an old ladies head in 21 times with a hammer and leaving her cash stuffed wallet on the floor.

Great to see the UK police farce winning back trust after dancing a jig when it seemed a white dude finally dunnit.

Edited July 21Jul 21 by SunnyinBangrak

2 minutes ago, bannork said:

The man charged with murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe is accused of hitting her 21 times with a hammer and taking her wallet, a court heard.

LegislativeBranch

Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court

Joshua Kerry, 28, is alleged to have arrived at the Reform UK spokeswoman’s remote bungalow in Haytor, Devon, shortly after midday on Wednesday 8 July.

A doorbell camera captured the suspect’s red Vauxhall Corsa pulling up outside the property, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Crime& Justice

A camera positioned in the hallway showed the 78-year-old politician sitting down eating lunch in the kitchen before the defendant allegedly entered via the front door and asked her: “Don’t suppose you have bank cards and ID?”

He is then alleged to have struck her 21 times on the head with the hammer before tipping her out of her chair and on to the floor.

Ms Widdecombe was discovered face-down on the kitchen floor the following day by a gardener, who had been asked to check on the former Conservative prisons minister after she missed an interview scheduled with Channel 5.

A provisional cause of death was given as a “blunt force injury to the head”, the court heard.

Kerry, who was arrested days later at his home 265 miles away in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit. He sat with his arms folded and spoke only to confirm his name , date of birth and address during the brief hearing.

A hammer and black gloves - on which Ms Widdecombe’s DNA was found - was recovered during a search of bins outside his property, prosecutor Kashir Malik said.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told the defendant: “You are charged with an offence of murder which can only be tried in the crown court.”

At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday afternoon, Kerry was remanded in custody by Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.

He was told to appear at the same court on 9 October for a case management hearing, with a further plea and trial preparation hearing on 20 November.

A provisional trial date was listed for 8 June 2027.

Announcing the charges on Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor said that establishing whether the attack was politically motivated remains an “active avenue of investigation”.

“I want to make it very clear that our investigation into this individual, determining his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in is continuing,” he said in a statement delivered outside Scotland Yard.

LawEnforcement

“Given Ann Widdecombe's profile and the targeted nature of the attack, determining the motivation, including any possible political motivation, remains an active avenue of investigation for our detectives. And as with all murder investigations, understanding the why is a key part of our inquiries.”

Ann Widdecombe 'struck with hammer 21 times', court hears

An awful murder. If he is guilty I hope he gets life.

However I would like to call @BarraMarra and @JonnyF 's attention to the trial date. They seem to think it is only Muslims who have lengthy waits for trials, when all along we have explained in crown court you have to wait your turn and a year is about the norm.

It's the same for everyone.

Oh wait, no, it's undoubtedly because he's a "lefty". How silly of me.

11 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

An awful murder. If he is guilty I hope he gets life.

However I would like to call @BarraMarra and @JonnyF 's attention to the trial date. They seem to think it is only Muslims who have lengthy waits for trials, when all along we have explained in crown court you have to wait your turn and a year is about the norm.

It's the same for everyone.

Oh wait, no, it's undoubtedly because he's a "lefty". How silly of me.

Did concerned mum.Lucy Connolly wait a year for her trial?

Bustedo!

24 minutes ago, bannork said:

A hammer and black gloves - on which Ms Widdecombe’s DNA was found - was recovered during a search of bins outside his property, prosecutor Kashir Malik said.

Killer and dumb! 😀

12 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Did concerned mum.Lucy Connolly wait a year for her trial?

Bustedo!

She would have done had she have pleaded not guilty and gone for a trial by jury. She didn't have a trial though as she pleaded guilty right away.

Amazing that you don't know that. Bustedo.

That smart alec quip didn't work out too well did it - just shows you genuinely have no clue.

And "Concerned mum"?? Pass the sick bucket.

Edited July 21Jul 21 by josephbloggs