Ann Widdecombe Murder Suspect Faces New Terror Charge Over Alleged Attempt to Enter Nigel Farage's Home

A man already charged with the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe has been accused of a fresh terrorism offence involving an alleged attempt to break into the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a London court has heard.

Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday facing a new allegation of preparing terrorist acts, according to prosecutors. The charge covers a period stretching from the end of May 2024 to early July 2026.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that Kerry is alleged to have conducted online reconnaissance of "prominent people and institutions," a process that included identifying where Farage lives. The court was told that the research was aimed at selecting potential targets.

The prosecutor said damage had been discovered on the doorframe at Farage's home address. Malik told magistrates that "the inference is that an attempt was made to gain entry to the house," suggesting the alleged reconnaissance was followed by a physical attempt to get inside the property.

The court also heard details of an earlier incident in April 2025, when Farage's partner reportedly discovered damage to the main front door of their house. A bottle of lighter fluid was found in the porch of the property, according to the account given in court.

Kerry appeared in person in the dock, flanked by four custody officers. Wearing a grey sweatshirt and trousers and sporting a thick beard, he spoke only to confirm his address in Rotherham and his date of birth, offering no indication of how he intends to respond to the allegations.

The new charge alleges that Kerry prepared terrorist acts by researching targets and by travelling to, and attempting to gain entry to, Farage's home. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.

Kerry was originally charged in July with the murder of Widdecombe, who was 78 years old at the time of her death. Her body was found on 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon, after she had sustained serious injuries.

Widdecombe had a long and varied political career. She served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald in Kent for 23 years, and during the 1990s she was appointed to ministerial roles in the government led by Sir John Major. In 2019, she became a member of Reform UK and later acted as a spokeswoman for the party.

The case has drawn significant attention because of the prominent political figures involved. Farage leads Reform UK, the party Widdecombe joined after leaving the Conservatives, and he has been a central figure in British politics for more than a decade.

The proceedings at Westminster Magistrates' Court represent an early stage in what is expected to be a lengthy legal process. The new terrorism charge adds a further layer to a case that already involves a murder allegation against the same defendant.

Preparing terrorist acts is a serious offence under UK counter-terrorism legislation, and cases of this nature are typically dealt with by specialist prosecutors and heard in higher courts. Farage's home address has previously been the subject of security concerns, reflecting the heightened risks faced by high-profile political figures.

The court was told that the alleged reconnaissance involved identifying the home address of the Reform UK leader, a detail that underscores the seriousness with which prosecutors are treating the allegation. The damage to the doorframe, combined with the earlier discovery of lighter fluid, forms part of the evidence the prosecution intends to present.

Legal experts note that when a defendant faces multiple serious charges, courts often consider whether the allegations are linked and how they should be managed procedurally. In this instance, Kerry will first appear at the Old Bailey, where more complex case management decisions are likely to be made.

No plea has yet been entered in relation to the new charge. Kerry's remand in custody means he will remain detained until his next court appearance. The case is expected to continue over the coming months as prosecutors build their case and the defence prepares its response.

The allegations come amid ongoing debate about the security of politicians and the threat posed by individuals who carry out research on potential targets. Counter-terrorism policing in the UK has repeatedly warned about the dangers of online radicalisation and the planning of attacks against public figures and institutions.

Widdecombe's death in July prompted widespread tributes from across the political spectrum, with colleagues recalling her decades of public service. Her transition from Conservative minister to Reform UK spokeswoman reflected the shifting landscape of British politics in recent years.

For Farage, the court's disclosures represent a direct link between the case and his own household. The alleged attempt to enter his home, if proven, would mark a serious security breach involving a leading political figure.

The next hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday is expected to be brief, focusing on the procedural steps needed to move the case forward. Further details of the evidence and the defendant's position may emerge as the case progresses.