Sky News came to an abrupt halt as it delivered the latest update in the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe. The former Conservative minister was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor on July 9, having sustained serious injuries. It was determined she had been killed the day before. On July 11, the police announced that a 28-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of Widdecombe’s murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
It has now been announced that the man, Joshua Kerry, has been charged with her murder. Sky News was covering new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s ongoing cabinet reshuffle when the update was released. “The Crown Prosecution Service have just announced that they’ve charged a man with murder following the death of Ann Widdecombe,” presenter Mark Austin said from outside 10 Downing Street.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home on July 9 (Image: Getty)
“The CPS says it has decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder. Kerry, who is 28 years old and from Rotherham, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the 21st of July, which is tomorrow.”
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division said: “We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor.
“Police enquiries into the defendant’s motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.
“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.”
Her last message was received at 12.19pm on July 8. The researcher messaged again at 12:48pm requesting that she join the Zoom link in preparation for the interview, but Widdecombe did not reply. Subsequent voice calls and messages went unanswered.
Her body was found “covered in blood” nearly 24 hours later.
Kerry was originally detained on suspicion of murder on July 11 before being re-arrested two days later on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
