Former UK Minister Ann Widdecombe Killed in Hammer Attack, Court Told

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of former British government minister Ann Widdecombe, prosecutors said on Tuesday. Joshua Kerry, 28, is accused of attacking Widdecombe with a hammer at her home in rural southwest England. The 78-year-old was found dead on July 9 after being attacked the previous day. Prosecutors told a London court that Kerry struck Widdecombe 21 times on the head with the hammer. Widdecombe was a well-known figure in British politics, having served as a minister in the 1990s and later becoming a prominent member of the Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage. She was no longer an MP at the time of her death. Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with murder and is being held in custody. The case was briefly heard in court, and no plea was entered. The investigation is ongoing.