Man Accused in Murder and Terror Plot Motivated by Anti-Reform Stance, Court Hears
Prosecutors allege Joshua Kerry harbored extreme left-wing views and hostility towards Nigel Farage's Reform UK party.
A British man charged in the murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe and a subsequent terrorism offense targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was driven by an extreme left-wing mindset and "hostility to Reform," prosecutors told a court on Friday.
Joshua Kerry, 28, is accused of murdering Widdecombe by repeatedly striking her on the head with a hammer in her home in July. He was later charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between May 2024 and July of this year. The prosecution alleges Kerry conducted research on prominent individuals and attempted to gain entry to Farage's residence.
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay stated that Kerry possessed an "extreme left-wing and/or an anti-establishment mindset" and harbored particular animosity toward the Reform party. Polnay further argued that Widdecombe's murder had a "terrorist connection" and was "politically and ideologically motivated."
Kerry appeared in court via video link from Belmarsh prison. He did not enter pleas and was remanded in custody pending his next hearing in January.