British prosecutors announced Friday that Joshua Kerry, a 28‑year‑old from South Yorkshire, faces a new count of preparation of terrorist acts. The charge alleges Kerry was “engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP.”
Kerry has been in the custody of His Majesty’s government since late July after being arrested for the brutal murder of former Reform UK and Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe. Investigators say Widdecombe was having lunch at her Devon home on July 8 when Kerry entered, struck her 21 times in the head with a hammer, stole her wallet and fled. The attack lasted only two minutes.
Timeline and investigation
Authorities say the terrorism‑related conduct took place between May 31 and July 8, overlapping the period of the murder. Senior National Coordinator for Counter‑terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, praised the “tireless work of investigators across the Counter‑terrorism Policing network” and described the charge as “extremely serious.” Evans added that there is no ongoing public threat linked to this matter.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood posted on X that the new charges are “extremely concerning” and extended her “profound sympathies” to the Farage family. She emphasized that an attack on any public figure is an attack on all citizens and raised questions about the security of those in public life.
Broader context
The Jo Cox Foundation, established after the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, issued a statement condemning violence against public servants. The foundation warned that abuse and intimidation threaten democracy and called for stronger protections for elected officials.
In a separate development, Counter‑terrorism Policing announced charges against two Iranian men, 36‑year‑old Salam Ahmadyan and 34‑year‑old Rahman Salehi, for plotting to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area. Both are charged with “engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts” and are alleged to have been in contact with an overseas third‑party possibly located in Iran. They remain remanded and are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Legal proceedings
Kerry is due back at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for a hearing on the new terrorism charge. The Crown Prosecution Service will determine whether additional pre‑trial conditions are required.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Evans noted that the alleged plot coincided with the High Holy Day period and the anniversary of last year’s terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue, highlighting a broader rise in anti‑Semitic incidents across the United Kingdom.
Fox News reporters Thomas Ferraro and Stephanie Bennett, along with the Associated Press, contributed to this report.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
