Rachel Morgan writes for UKPulse: Ann Widdecombe's untimely and brutal death has sent shockwaves through the nation, leaving many to wonder what could have driven a 28-year-old man from Rotherham to commit such a heinous crime. Joshua Kerry, who appeared emotionless in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 20 July 2026, is accused of murdering the former politician and author with a hammer, allegedly striking her 21 times during the assault on 8 July.
According to the prosecution, Mr Kerry arrived at Ms Widdecombe's Devon home in a red Vauxhall Corsa around lunchtime that day, entering through the front door. In what was reportedly only a two-minute visit, he is alleged to have attacked her with the hammer, tipped her from her chair, and then taken her wallet before fleeing the scene.
A provisional cause of death has been identified as a blunt force injury to the head, following an investigation into Ms Widdecombe's sudden disappearance. Her absence was first noted when she failed to attend a pre-arranged online interview with Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on 8 July, prompting her personal assistant to contact her gardener in concern.
The gardener discovered Ms Widdecombe lying face down on the kitchen floor at around midday on 9 July, with a serious head injury evident. Mr Kerry, who spoke only to confirm his identity during the brief hearing, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey later today, Tuesday 21 July 2026.