The aleged killer was in her home for just two minutes.
Former MP Ann Widdecombe died after being hit 21 times on her head with a hammer, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday.
Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that on 8 July Miss Widdecombe had been eating lunch when Joshua Kerry allegedly pulled up outside her home in Dartmoor in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered through the front door.
Kerry, 28, is accused of then walking to the Reform UK spokeswoman’s kitchen and using a hammer to hit her on the top of her head 21 times, the court was told.
Kerry then allegedly tipped Miss Widdecombe, 78, from her chair and took a wallet out of her handbag before leaving and driving off, having only been in the property for two minutes, the court heard.
A provisional cause of death was given as a “blunt force injury to the head”.
Kerry, who appeared emotionless in the dock, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him in custody until his next court appearance, set to be at the Old Bailey on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Goldspring told Kerry: “You’re charged with an offence of murder which can only be dealt with in a crown court.”
He added: “You are therefore remanded into custody and sent to crown court.”
Kerry was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after Miss Widdecombe was found dead at her remote bungalow with serious injuries.
Kerry was later further arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but he has not been charged with this offence.
Miss Widdecombe, who was a regular panellist on Channel 5 shows, was found dead on July 9 and is believed to have been killed the previous day.
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faraway saint ·
