Joshua Kerry Remanded at Old Bailey for Ann Widdicombe Murder

Murder suspect Joshua Kerry has been remanded in custody after appearing at the Old Bailey charged with the killing of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe.

Prosecutor Alistair Richardson told the court that before his arrest, the 28-year-old defendant was living in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, which sits approximately 265 miles away from Ms Widdecombe's bungalow in Devon.

Mr Kerry was remanded in custody ahead of his next scheduled appearance at the same court on October 9 for a case management hearing, which will be followed by a formal plea and trial preparation hearing on November 20. A provisional trial date has been listed for June 8, 2027.

Chronology of Today's Proceedings

The Crown Court appearance capped a fast-moving multi-court day of legal developments across multiple jurisdictions:

• The Exeter Inquest: Early this morning, an inquest into Ms Widdecombe's death was formally opened in Exeter. Philip Spinney, the senior coroner for Devon, stated that the definitive medical cause of death is yet to be established. The coroner officially adjourned the inquest until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
• The Magistrates' Hearing: Mr Kerry arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier today, where the start of proceedings faced multiple delays to allow his legal team, including solicitor Andrew Swaby, sufficient time to consult with him.
• The Remand Order: When the magistrates' hearing commenced in the afternoon, Mr Kerry entered the dock flanked by three officers. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him in custody, stating that the murder charge could only legally be heard in a crown court, prompting the immediate transfer of the case to the Old Bailey.

The Crown Allegations

During the initial magistrates' hearing, prosecutor Kashif Malik outlined the specific circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Read more: Joshua Kerry in Court Charged with Murder of Ann Widdecombe

The prosecution alleges that the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman was eating lunch inside her home when the suspect parked a car outside and entered through the front door

The Crown further alleges that the suspect walked into the kitchen, used a hammer to strike Ms Widdecombe on the head 21 times, tipped her from her chair and stole a wallet from her handbag before driving away.

Court disclosures indicated that the intruder spent roughly two minutes inside the property. Prosecutors confirmed that a provisional cause of death has been recorded as a blunt force injury to the head.