The man accused of murdering former British cabinet minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe has appeared in court for the first time, as prosecutors laid out disturbing new allegations about the final moments of the veteran politician’s life.

Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with murdering the 78-year-old at her secluded home in Haytor, Devon.

During the brief hearing, prosecutors alleged that Widdecombe was struck repeatedly with a hammer while eating lunch inside her bungalow, in what investigators continue to describe as a targeted attack.

The allegations emerged as separate court proceedings formally opened an inquest into Widdecombe’s death before it was immediately suspended pending the outcome of the criminal case.

Kerry, who appeared wearing a grey sweatshirt and grey tracksuit bottoms, spoke only briefly during the hearing.

He confirmed his name, date of birth and address before listening as prosecutors outlined the accusations against him.

No plea was entered.

The court heard that investigators believe Widdecombe was attacked on July 8, approximately 24 hours before her body was discovered.

According to prosecutor Kashif Malik, security camera footage captured crucial moments surrounding the alleged attack.

Prosecutors claim Kerry drove from his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, to Widdecombe’s isolated bungalow in rural Devon.

The journey covered hundreds of miles before he allegedly arrived at the property shortly before lunchtime.

Malik told the court that Kerry allegedly entered through the front door while Widdecombe was eating lunch inside her home.

Investigators believe the attack happened quickly.

According to the prosecution, Kerry remained inside the bungalow for only about two minutes before leaving.

During that brief period, prosecutors allege Widdecombe was struck on the head with a hammer 21 times.

Authorities also claim Kerry took Widdecombe’s wallet from her handbag before leaving the property and driving away.

Investigators have not publicly explained whether robbery was a motive or whether the alleged theft formed only part of a broader attack.

Police have repeatedly stated they continue examining whether the killing was politically motivated or connected to terrorism.

The allegations presented in court marked the first time prosecutors publicly detailed how they believe Widdecombe was killed.

According to the prosecution, the alarm was raised later that afternoon after the former MP failed to appear for a scheduled television interview.

Widdecombe had been due to participate in an online appearance for Channel 5’s Matt Allwright Show shortly before 1 p.m.

When she failed to join the interview, members of the production team reportedly made repeated attempts to contact her.

They also reached out to her personal assistant after receiving no response.

As concern grew, arrangements were eventually made for someone to check on her welfare.

The following morning, July 9, Widdecombe’s gardener arrived at the property.

He found the former politician lying face down on the kitchen floor.

Emergency services were called immediately.

Despite their efforts, Widdecombe was pronounced dead at the scene.

Malik told the court that a pathologist’s provisional findings identified blunt force trauma to the head as the preliminary cause of death.

However, officials indicated that the final medical determination remains subject to further examination.

The investigation initially began under Devon and Cornwall Police.

Detectives soon identified a red Vauxhall Corsa that had reportedly been seen near Widdecombe’s home shortly before the alleged attack.

Investigators later connected that vehicle to Kerry.

He was arrested on July 11 on suspicion of murder.

As detectives uncovered additional evidence, the case took a dramatic turn.

Counter-terrorism officers assumed control of the investigation after police said new information had emerged.

Kerry was subsequently rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Authorities have emphasized that inquiries into a possible political or ideological motive remain ongoing.

Investigators have not yet announced any conclusions regarding why Widdecombe was allegedly targeted.

Following the magistrates court appearance, Kerry was transferred to London’s Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey.

Appearing before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb later Tuesday, he was denied bail.

The judge ordered that he remain in custody while the case proceeds through the courts.

A case management hearing has been scheduled for October 9.

A provisional trial date has been set for June 8, 2027.

Earlier the same day, another courtroom addressed the death from a different legal perspective.

An inquest formally opened in Exeter before Senior Coroner Philip Spinney.

The hearing lasted only a short time before being suspended because of the ongoing criminal proceedings.

Spinney confirmed basic details surrounding Widdecombe’s death before explaining why the inquest could not continue while murder charges remain before the courts.

“The circumstances of the death are as follows,” Spinney said.

“Concerns were raised that Miss Widdecombe was uncontactable.”

He explained that someone scheduled to visit the property had been asked to conduct a welfare check after friends and colleagues were unable to reach her.

According to the coroner, Widdecombe was discovered inside her home with visible injuries and no signs of life.

Emergency personnel attended but were unable to save her.

Spinney noted that while a postmortem examination had already been completed, the precise medical cause of death had not yet been formally established for the purposes of the inquest.

The coroner also paused to acknowledge Widdecombe’s decades of public service.

He described the former MP as someone who had clearly been loved by many people and whose death had profoundly affected those closest to her.

“It is plain that Miss Widdecombe was much loved and will be greatly missed,” Spinney said.

He also recognized the emotional burden faced by grieving relatives who were attending proceedings in what he described as an inherently formal courtroom environment.

“A court could appear a harsh and clinical setting for what is an intensely private matter,” he told those gathered.

“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family of Miss Widdecombe.”

Widdecombe served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Maidstone from 1987 until 2010.

During her parliamentary career she held several ministerial positions, including serving as prisons minister under Prime Minister John Major.

Following her departure from Westminster, she remained a prominent public figure through television appearances and continued political involvement.

In 2019 she joined the Brexit Party and became a Member of the European Parliament before later serving as an immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK.

Her outspoken political views and frequent media appearances kept her in the national spotlight long after leaving Parliament.

The high-profile nature of the case has drawn widespread attention across Britain.

Police have confirmed they are no longer searching for additional suspects.

However, detectives continue examining Kerry’s background, movements and any possible ideological motivations that may have influenced the alleged attack.

Counter-terrorism investigators have stressed that determining the motive remains one of the central objectives of the investigation.

As criminal proceedings move forward, prosecutors have reminded the public that Kerry is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

For Widdecombe’s family, friends and former colleagues, the court appearances mark only the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal process as authorities seek answers surrounding the shocking death of one of Britain’s best-known political figures.