Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP, Counter Terrorism Policing said
The man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe has also been charged with a planning terrorism against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Joshua Kerry, 28, is charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts relating to alleged activity between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026, Counter Terrorism Policing said.
Counter Terrorism Police said Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged on Friday (October 2) with one count of preparation of terrorist acts.
Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister Ms Widdecombe, 78, died on July 8 after she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, a court previously heard. Kerry is also accused of her murder.
A Counter Terrorism Police statement said: “A 28-year-old man has been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against Nigel Farage MP.
“Joshua Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged today (Friday 2 October), with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006, following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.
“This charge relates to activity which is alleged to have taken place between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026.”
Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, said: “We have been running a hugely intensive and complex investigation for some time. “The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the Counter Terrorism Policing network. “This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of enquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge.”
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said:
“Having carefully reviewed the evidence we have made the decision to prosecute Joshua Kerry for engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses.
“We remind all concerned that proceedings against Joshua Kerry remain active and he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Kerry is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.