Ann Widdecombe Murder Case, Prosecutors Say Former MP Was Struck 21 Times With Hammer During Alleged Home Attack

Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe was allegedly struck on the head 21 times with a hammer during an attack at her home, prosecutors have told Westminster Magistrates’ Court, as disturbing details emerged during proceedings against the man accused of her murder.

Joshua Kerry, 28, is charged with the murder of Widdecombe. Prosecutors told the court that the alleged attack took place at her home on 8 July, when Kerry reportedly arrived at the property in a red Vauxhall Corsa.

According to prosecutor Kashif Malik, Kerry allegedly entered the house through the front door before carrying out the attack in the kitchen. Prosecutors said he was wearing black gloves and remained inside the property for approximately two minutes.

The court heard that Widdecombe was allegedly sitting in her kitchen eating lunch when Kerry is accused of attacking her with a hammer. Prosecutors said she was struck repeatedly before allegedly being tipped from her chair. Kerry is also accused of taking Widdecombe’s wallet before leaving the property and driving away.

The allegations presented in court have provided a deeply disturbing account of the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death. Prosecutors have emphasized the severity of the alleged violence, with Alistair Richardson, appearing for the prosecution at the Old Bailey, describing the attack as involving a “ferocity of violence.”

The circumstances of the alleged attack came to light after Widdecombe failed to participate in a pre-arranged online interview for the Channel 5 Matt Allwright show. The interview had reportedly been scheduled for shortly before 13:00 BST on 8 July.

According to prosecutors, members of the show’s production team became concerned when Widdecombe did not attend the scheduled interview. Attempts were reportedly made to contact her through her personal assistant.

The court heard that the personal assistant subsequently contacted Widdecombe’s gardener and asked the gardener to check on her.

Prosecutors said the gardener went to Widdecombe’s home on 9 July and entered through an open front door. Inside the property, the gardener reportedly discovered Widdecombe lying face down on the kitchen floor with a serious head injury.

Emergency services were subsequently contacted, and authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. The discovery reportedly led to a major police investigation and the subsequent arrest and charging of Kerry.

The prosecution’s account has not been tested at trial, and Kerry remains legally presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted. The allegations presented in court form part of the prosecution case and will be subject to the legal process.

Kerry, who is from South Yorkshire, was later brought before the Old Bailey, where he was remanded in custody. The case is expected to proceed through the criminal courts, with further hearings determining how the evidence will be examined.

Widdecombe was a prominent figure in British public life, having served as a Conservative Member of Parliament and later becoming a familiar television personality and political commentator. Her death has prompted widespread shock and renewed attention to her long career in public service.

The latest court proceedings have also raised questions about the events leading up to her death and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack at her home.

As the criminal case continues, prosecutors are expected to present further evidence concerning the events of 8 July. The court will ultimately determine the facts of the case based on the evidence presented.

For now, the allegations have provided a harrowing account of the final known hours of Widdecombe’s life. Her death has left family, friends, former colleagues, and members of the public mourning the loss of a well-known figure whose career spanned decades.

The case remains ongoing, and further court proceedings are expected as authorities continue to pursue the prosecution against Kerry.