Man accused of being Britain's first alleged left-wing terrorist murderer, Old Bailey hears, as trial is set for June

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026 · last updated 10 October 2026.

Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, is accused of driving 265 miles to Ann Widdecombe's home in Devon on 8 July 2026 and striking the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman over the head 21 times with a hammer as she ate lunch. Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC told the Old Bailey that Kerry held an 'extreme left-wing and anti-establishment mindset' and a 'particular hostility towards Reform', and that the murder carried a 'terrorist connection'. The two charges — murder and preparation of terrorist acts — were joined after the judge accepted they were 'inextricably linked'. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set a five-week trial for 8 June next year.

Kerry is also accused of attempting to break into Nigel Farage's south London home in April 2025 as part of what prosecutors called a single terrorist course of conduct.

A list of around 100 MPs found on Kerry's phone included Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, Lee Anderson, Richard Tice and Tom Tugendhat, prosecutors said.

Kerry appeared via video link from Belmarsh, arms crossed, and spoke only to confirm his identity; his defence said he is LIKELY TO contest all charges.