British prosecutors have charged 28-year-old Joshua Kerry with the murder of former Member of Parliament and Reform party spokesperson Ann Widdecombe.
Kerry, a white British national, was arrested in Rotherham and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday while remaining in police custody, authorities confirmed.
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Emergency responders discovered the body of the 78-year-old politician with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, at 11:40 a.
m. on Thursday, July 9.
Police believe the attack occurred the previous day around 12:30 p. m.
Investigation and Charges
The case was recently transferred to counter-terrorism policing south-east from local authorities after investigators uncovered new evidence.
Police initially detained a 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot, but he was later released and cleared of involvement.
Crown Prosecution Service officials announced the decision to press formal charges as investigators continue exploring possible motives.
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor of the CPS special crime and counter-terrorism division, said: "We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor."
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Ferguson confirmed that authorities are examining potential political or extremist ties. "Police enquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection," he said.
Legal teams worked closely during the preliminary stage to build the formal charge.
"Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses," Ferguson added.
Officials emphasized the need to adhere to legal standards as court proceedings begin.
"We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial," Ferguson said.
The prosecutor cautioned against actions that could prejudice the judicial process.
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"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings," he said.
