Hammer killing of pro-lifer Ann Widdecombe detailed in court

A London court on Tuesday heard the beginnings of an inquest into the cause of former lawmaker Ann Widdecombe’s death. In the hearing covered by the British media, the court heard that the 78-year-old was hit on the head 21 times with a hammer while at home eating lunch.

The suspect charged with her murder is Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old from Rotherham, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. He appeared at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Widdecombe’s provisional cause of death was given as a blunt force injury to the head. Prosecutors allege that Kerry killed her on July 8, although she wasn’t discovered until the next day.

British Counter Terrorism Police claimed jurisdiction over the investigation into Widdecombe’s death on July 13. They did so despite an earlier police statement that there was nothing to indicate her killing had been an act of terrorism.

Widdecombe was a spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform U.K., which bills itself as a party dedicated to fixing Britain through common sense. A former Conservative member of parliament, she stood up against abortion, among other political issues. A lifelong pro-life advocate, Widdecombe was honored by Right to Life U.K., among other organizations. She was also honored by Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform U.K., who called her loyal, kind, and an extraordinary woman.

A case management hearing is set for Oct. 9, and a provisional court date is set for June 2027, according to CNN.