A 28-year-old man named Joshua Kerry has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a high-profile Catholic politician in the UK who died earlier this month. 

Kerry, from Rotherham, arrived at Westminster Magistrate’s Court today where he will be charged for the murder of the former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson. 

Frank Ferguson, the chief crown prosecutor of the CPS special crime and counter-terrorism division, explained that police enquiries into the motive of the attack are still ongoing.

“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,” he said.

“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. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial,” he added.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” he said.

An inquest at Exeter Corner’s Court on Tuesday heard that the cause of Widdecombe’s death is still to be determined.

Philip Spinney, a senior coroner, said that following a post-mortem examination “at this stage the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.”

Last Monday, counter-terrorism police took the case over from Devon and Cornwall after new evidence and information was revealed.

Who is Joshua Kerry?

Kerry was arrested at his house in Rotherham on July 11. He was later re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. 

He formerly worked for a lift company and is suspected of driving 267 miles to Widdecombe’s home in Dartmoor, Devon to carry out the attack on July 8. Widdecombe was discovered nearly 24 hours later on July 9, with serious injuries.

According to reports, Kerry lived with his dog in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham, and neighbours claim that he was rarely seen in public following his father’s death last December. 

Kerry’s uncle described his nephew as “very shy”, and a “gentle giant” who is “polite.”