Full Breakdown
Former MP Ann Widdecombe Attacked in Hammer Assault
7/21/2026, 10:27:14 PM
Core Event
Former Conservative MP and television commentator Ann Widdecombe was violently assaulted in her kitchen while eating lunch. Prosecutors say the 28-year-old suspect, Joshua Kerry of South Yorkshire, entered the home in a red Vauxhall Corsa, wore black gloves, and struck Widdecombe on the head with a hammer a total of 21 times before stealing her wallet and fleeing the scene.
Timeline
- July 8 – Prosecutor Kashif Malik testified that Kerry arrived at Widdecombe’s house, entered through the front door and carried out the attack, remaining inside for roughly two minutes.
- July 9 – The gardener, alerted by Widdecombe’s personal assistant after a missed Channel 5 interview, entered the open front door and discovered Widdecombe lying face-down on the kitchen floor with a serious head injury.
Prosecutorial Findings
Prosecutor Kashif Malik described the assault as a “hammer attack” involving multiple blows. At a subsequent Old Bailey hearing, prosecutor Alistair Richardson characterized the incident as having been carried out with “ferocity of violence.” Both prosecutors emphasized the rapid sequence of events and the suspect’s brief presence in the home before fleeing.
Legal Action and Custody
Joshua Kerry has been charged with murder and appeared at the Old Bailey, where he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings. The charge reflects the severity of the assault and the theft of Widdecombe’s wallet.
Background and Impact
Ann Widdecombe, a former MP and frequent media personality, was scheduled for a live interview with Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on the morning of July 8. The attack prevented her participation, prompting the production team to seek assistance from her assistant and gardener. The incident, captured on security cameras, has drawn significant public attention to the safety of high-profile individuals in private residences.
