Widdecombe Murder Suspect Faces New Terrorism Charge Over Alleged Farage Home Break-In Attempt

A man accused of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe has appeared in court facing a new allegation of preparing terrorist acts, including an alleged attempt to gain entry to the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday as prosecutors outlined the new allegation.

The prosecution alleges that Kerry carried out online research into the homes and locations of prominent people and institutions, including identifying Farage's home address.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that damage had subsequently been found to the doorframe at the address.

The prosecutor said the inference was that an attempt had been made to gain entry to the property.

New terrorism allegation

Kerry is accused of preparing terrorist acts between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026.

The new charge alleges that he carried out research on potential targets before travelling to and attempting to enter Farage's home.

The court also heard that in April 2025, Farage's partner discovered damage to the property's main front door.

A bottle of lighter fluid was also reportedly found in the porch.

The allegations were presented by the prosecution and have not been tested at trial.

Kerry has not been convicted of the new offence.

Kerry remanded in custody

Kerry appeared in person at Westminster Magistrates' Court, accompanied by four custody officers.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt and trousers, he spoke only to confirm his address in Rotherham and his date of birth.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.

The new allegation adds to the serious charges already facing Kerry.

Accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe

Kerry was charged in July with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July.

She had sustained serious injuries.

The circumstances surrounding her death led to a murder investigation, with Kerry subsequently charged.

The murder allegation remains a matter for the court to determine.

Who was Ann Widdecombe?

Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald in Kent for 23 years.

She held ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government during the 1990s before later becoming a prominent political commentator and campaigner.

She joined Reform UK in 2019 and became one of the party's public figures.

Her death prompted tributes from across the political spectrum.

Farage home allegation

The new charge brings Nigel Farage into the wider case because of the prosecution's allegation that Kerry researched his address and later travelled to the property.

At this stage, the court has heard the prosecution's case concerning the alleged preparation and attempted entry.

The new charge does not establish that Kerry intended to harm Farage or that he was responsible for any further offence beyond what is specifically alleged.

Those matters will have to be considered as the case progresses.

Case moves to the Old Bailey

Kerry will now be transferred to the Old Bailey, where the next stage of proceedings is expected to take place on Friday.

The case involves allegations relating to both the death of Ann Widdecombe and the newly charged terrorism offence.

No finding of guilt has been made in relation to the allegations.

The proceedings remain ongoing.