The man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe demonstrated a distinct hostility toward the Reform UK party, according to allegations presented by prosecutors on Friday. Authorities stated that 28-year-old Joshua Kerry maintained an extreme left-wing or anti-establishment viewpoint.
During the court appearance at the Old Bailey, the prosecution asserted that the killing of the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman possessed a terrorist connection due to its political and ideological motivation. Last week, Kerry was formally charged with a second count of preparing terrorist acts, building upon the initial murder charge brought against him in July.
Investigators accuse Kerry of conducting online reconnaissance targeting prominent individuals and institutions, which included traveling to the South London home of Nigel Farage on April 19, 2025, and attempting a break-in roughly 15 months prior to Widdecombe's death. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb approved a prosecution request to combine the separate charges into a single case, noting that the allegations were inextricably linked.
Appearing via video link from Belmarsh prison while wearing a standard grey prison-issue sweatshirt, Kerry listened as the judge scheduled a five-week trial to begin on June 8 of next year. An intervening hearing has been set for January 29. Meanwhile, defense counsel Nicholas Lumley KC indicated to the court that his client is expected to contest all charges brought against him.