Joshua Kerry, 28, now faces an additional accusation of preparing terrorist acts, police confirmed on Friday. The charge relates to alleged activity between May 2024 and July 2026 and comes after he was already charged in July with the murder of 78‑year‑old Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman. Kerry is due to appear in court over the terror offence on Wednesday.
The Charges Explained
Counter Terrorism Policing Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the charge on Friday was the result of a “hugely intensive and complex investigation”. “This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of enquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge,” she added. The preparation of terrorist acts offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of the alleged planning.
Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division noted that prosecutors “worked closely” with police to bring the charge and would continue to work alongside them as the investigation continued. Both officials stressed that the case remains active and that further developments are expected.
Investigation Background
Ann Widdecombe was found dead on Thursday 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon, having sustained serious injuries. She had served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial roles in Sir John Major’s government during the 1990s. After leaving the Commons, Widdecombe became a television personality, appearing on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, and later took on a spokesmanship role for Reform UK.
The terror preparation charge is said to cover a period that overlaps with the time leading up to Widdecombe’s death, although police have not disclosed the specific nature of the alleged plans. Detectives have been analysing digital communications, financial records and forensic evidence as part of the wide‑ranging inquiry.
Why it Matters
The addition of a terror preparation charge to an already high‑profile murder case underscores the evolving threat landscape in the UK, where extremist motives can intersect with personal grudges. It also highlights the capacity of counter‑terror units to pursue complex, protracted investigations that span multiple jurisdictions and types of offending. For the public, the case serves as a stark reminder that violence motivated by ideology can target public figures, reinforcing the need for vigilance and robust security measures around those in the political arena.
