LONDON — Joshua Kerry, the 28-year-old man already accused of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, has appeared in court on a separate terrorism charge after prosecutors alleged he researched prominent targets and travelled to Nigel Farage’s south London home.
🚨 BREAKING: Ann Widdecombe’s murder suspect Joshua Kerry allegedly researched "targets" and travelled to Nigel Farage’s home to gain entry last year https://t.co/BIhLEwXMMJ
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) October 7, 2026
Kerry, from Rotherham, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 7. He is charged with preparing terrorist acts during an alleged period of activity spanning more than two years. The case has drawn fresh attention to an April 2025 incident at Farage’s home that was initially investigated as an attempted burglary.
Kerry has not been convicted of the terrorism offence or the separate murder charge. The allegations against him remain subject to ongoing court proceedings.
Joshua Kerry Charged With Preparing Terrorist Acts
The Crown Prosecution Service said Kerry faces one count of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
The charge covers alleged conduct between May 31, 2024 and July 8, 2026. Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that Kerry allegedly conducted online reconnaissance involving prominent people and institutions, including identifying Farage’s residential address.
Kerry did not enter a plea to the terrorism charge during Wednesday’s hearing.
Court Hears Details of Alleged Visit to Farage’s Home
Prosecutors focused on an alleged visit to Farage’s south London property on April 20, 2025.
The court heard that Kerry allegedly travelled from northern England to London and that his vehicle remained parked near Farage’s home for several hours before returning north.
Prosecutors allege an attempt was made to enter the property. Farage’s partner, Laure Ferrari, later reportedly discovered damage around the entrance and a bottle containing lighter fluid in the porch.
Investigators found a tool mark on the doorframe that prosecutors said was consistent with a 27mm blade. The prosecution also alleged that Kerry’s DNA was detected on the lighter-fluid container.
Those details form part of the prosecution case and have not been established as fact by a trial.
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Police Initially Investigated Suspected Attempted Burglary
A significant element of the case is how the April 2025 incident was originally treated.
Police investigated it as a suspected attempted burglary. No arrest was made at the time, and the investigation was eventually closed unless further information emerged.
Counter-terrorism investigators revisited the case in 2026. Authorities said the renewed investigation identified a line of inquiry that may have been relevant but was not identified and pursued during the original investigation.
The development raises wider questions about how incidents involving politicians are assessed when an event initially appears to be an ordinary crime but later produces potential national-security concerns.
Kerry Separately Accused of Ann Widdecombe’s Murder
Kerry is separately charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 8.
Earlier court proceedings heard allegations that Widdecombe suffered repeated blows to the head. Kerry is accused of causing her death, but he has not been convicted.
Widdecombe served for years as a Conservative MP and government minister before later becoming a Brexit Party MEP and being associated with Reform UK.
The case adds to wider concerns surrounding security and politically sensitive incidents in Britain. Swikblog has also covered the RAF Fairford explosives arrests and security operation and the security debate surrounding Tommy Robinson’s planned Unite the Kingdom Christmas event.
Old Bailey Hearing Comes Next
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has described the charges as concerning amid renewed discussion about protection for politicians and other public figures.
Kerry was remanded in custody after his Westminster Magistrates’ Court appearance. The terrorism case has been sent to the Central Criminal Court, where he is expected to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, October 9.
Both criminal cases remain active, and further evidence may emerge as proceedings continue. Until the allegations are determined by a court, Kerry is presumed innocent.
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