Man Accused of Killing British Ex-Politician Also Tried to Break Into Nigel Farage's Home, Prosecutor Says
Joshua Kerry faces charges including preparation of terrorist acts, with prosecutors detailing an alleged attempt to enter the home of the anti-immigration Reform UK leader.
A man accused of killing former British politician Ann Widdecombe allegedly attempted to break into the home of Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, about a year prior to Widdecombe's death, a prosecutor stated on Wednesday.
Joshua Kerry, 28, faces a charge of preparation of terrorist acts, which includes the alleged attempt against Farage. Kerry did not enter a plea during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and remains in custody.
Prosecutor Kashif Malik informed the court that evidence from Kerry's digital devices indicated he conducted “online reconnaissance” of prominent individuals and institutions between May 2024 and July, the month Widdecombe was killed. According to Malik, Farage's partner returned home on April 20, 2025, to find damage to the door frame, a bottle of lighter fluid, and signs of an attempted break-in. Kerry's DNA was reportedly found on the flammable liquid container.
Tracking data showed Kerry traveled from his home in northern England to London, parking his car outside Farage's residence for several hours before returning. Kerry appeared in court wearing glasses and a gray sweatsuit, speaking briefly to confirm his name and date of birth. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring transferred the case to the Central Criminal Court for a hearing scheduled for Friday.
The charge was announced a month after counterterrorism police reopened an investigation into a suspected firebomb attempt at Farage's south London home. Kerry had previously been charged with murder in connection with the fatal beating of Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead in her home in a secluded village in southwest England on July 8.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative member of Parliament and government minister known for her conservative views, served as a spokesperson for the Reform Party. She later gained public recognition through appearances on reality television shows before returning to politics.
Widdecombe's killing raised concerns about the security of politicians, a matter that has been under increased scrutiny in the past decade following the murders of two Members of Parliament: Labour's Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, and Conservative's David Amess, who was stabbed in 2021 by an attacker influenced by the Islamic State group.