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Ann Widdecombe was hit on head 21 times with hammer, prosecutors say
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Ann Widdecombe was fatally attacked at her Devon home on 8 July, suffering 21 hammer blows to the head while having lunch, according to prosecutors at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
- Joshua Kerry, 28, from South Yorkshire, is charged with her murder; he allegedly entered her house, attacked her with a hammer, stole her wallet, and left within two minutes.
- Widdecombe was found dead by her gardener on 9 July after failing to attend a scheduled TV interview, with emergency services pronouncing her dead at 12:20 BST.
- The investigation, led by counter-terrorism detectives, is exploring possible terrorism or political motives; Kerry was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey.
- Widdecombe was a former Conservative MP for Maidstone, serving 23 years, and later gained public recognition through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
