Kerry charged with Widdecombe murder, Farage home plot
Old Bailey hears alleged links between Devon killing and south London incident.
Incident → evidence → outcomeJoshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with preparing terrorist acts and the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The Old Bailey heard on Friday that the killing of Ms Widdecombe and an alleged attempt to enter the south London home of Nigel Farage are considered inextricably linked by the prosecution.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, died after suffering 21 hammer blows at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 8, 2026. Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC told the court that the Crown alleges Kerry travelled 265 miles from his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, to commit the murder. He is said to have entered Ms Widdecombe's kitchen and struck her with a hammer while she was having lunch, leaving the property approximately two minutes later. Kerry was arrested on July 11, 2026.
Alleged Research and Farage Home Incident
The court heard that investigators linked Kerry to an earlier incident at the south London residence of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on April 19, 2025. Mr Farage's partner reportedly found damage to the front door and a bottle of lighter fluid in the porch. A mark on the door, described as being made by a 27mm blade edge, suggested an attempt to gain entry, according to Mr Polnay.
Evidence allegedly found on Kerry's phone indicated research into the home and office addresses of various political and prominent figures between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026. This list reportedly included Ann Widdecombe and Nigel Farage, among others such as Kemi Badenoch, Richard Tice, Lee Anderson, and Robert Jenrick. An analysis of the phone suggested the defendant held extreme left-wing and anti-establishment views, with particular hostility towards the Reform party.
Kerry, who appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Belmarsh jail, spoke only to confirm his identity. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb scheduled a trial before a High Court judge for June 8, with a plea and case management hearing set for January 29.
Nicholas Lumley KC, representing Kerry, informed the court that his client is expected to deny all charges.
Questions this report answers
01What are the main charges against Joshua Kerry?
Joshua Kerry faces charges of preparation of terrorist acts and the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The prosecution alleges these acts were linked to an attempt to enter Nigel Farage's south London home.
02When and where is the trial scheduled?
A trial for Joshua Kerry is scheduled to take place at the Old Bailey before a High Court judge on June 8. A plea and case management hearing is set for January 29.
03What is the alleged motive for the crimes?
The prosecution alleges that Joshua Kerry held extreme left-wing and anti-establishment views and was particularly hostile towards the Reform party. This mindset is said to be connected to his alleged actions.
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