Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe was found dead on July 9 at her home in Haytor, Devon. a 28-year-old man, Joshua Kerry, has been detained on suspicion of murder and terrorism.
Tuesday's 10am hearing at County Hall in Exeter
A formal inquest into the death of Ann Widdecombe is scheduled to begin at 10am on Tuesday at County Hall in Exeter.. The 78-year-old former Brexit Party MEP and Conservative minister was discovered at her Haytor residence having sustained what police described as "serious injuries." According to the source, investigators believe the killing was a "targeted attack" that occurred the day before her body was found.
The timing of the inquest coincides with a critical legal window for the suspect. A decision regarding whether to formally chage the man arrested in connection with the killing is expected within hours, as the initial detention period expires.
The Reform UK clippings found in Rotherham
The investigation shifted dramaticaly when counter-terrorism detectives took over from the Devon and Cornwall Police. This pivot occcurred after armed officers raided the Rotherham home of Joshua Kerry, where they discovered a collection of newspaper clippings pinned to the walls. As the report says, these articles focused on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the party's specific policies regarding immigration.
While Devon and Cornwall Police initially stated there was no evidence of a political motive, the evidence found in South Yorkshire suggests otherwise. A source cited in the report claims that Joshua Kerry harbored a "profound dislike" of the Reform UK party and its leadership, transforming a murder inquiry into a potential terrorism case.
Joshua Kerry's spiral after Paul Yates' death
The profile of the suspect, Joshua Kerry, reveals a man who became increasingly isolated following a family tragedy. Neighbors on the Kimberworth Park estate described Kerry as a polite and helpful young man who once assisted others with their parcels and shopping. However, this behavior shifted after the death of his father, Paul Yates, who died of cancer last December.
Following the loss of Paul Yates, Joshua Kerry reportedly stopped working and became a recluse in the council house where he had lived with his father. His uncle expressed shock at the arrest, suggesting that Kerry had "spiraled" emotionally after his father's passing, providing a psychological backdrop to the suspect's alleged radicalization.
The 14-day terrorism detention window
Because the case has been classified under terroorism laws, investigators have expanded powers regarding the detention of Joshua Kerry. Under UK law, suspects can be held for seven days initially, with the possibility of extnesions reaching a total of 14 days. The initial seven-day period for Kerry is set to expire on Monday evening.
One of the most pressing questions remaining is how such a targeted threat went undetected. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood informed the House of Commons that Joshua Kerry was not known to Prevent, the UK's primary anti-extremism program. This raises significant questions about the efficacy of Prevent in idenntifying "lone actor" threats who do not leave a digital footprint or engage with known extremist networks,but instead obsess over political figures in private.
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