Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, including offences against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The charge was announced on Friday, October 2, and Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, October 7.
The charge relates to alleged activity between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026. Kerry is also accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe, the Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative minister, who died on July 8 after being struck on the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, a court previously heard.
Investigation details and police statement
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the investigation as "hugely intensive and complex" and running for some time. She credited the charge to "the tireless work of investigators across the Counter Terrorism Policing network."
Evans added: "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."
Murder charge and court proceedings
The Crown Prosecution Service decided to prosecute Kerry for murder following Widdecombe's death in July. Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said at the time: "Police enquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection."
Ferguson continued: "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. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial."
Upcoming hearings and trial timeline
It was previously reported that Kerry would appear at the Old Bailey on October 9 for a case management hearing, followed by a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 20. A provisional trial date has been listed for June 8, 2027.
The case continues to develop as the legal process moves forward, with the next court appearance scheduled for October 7.
