Ann Widdecombe was hit on head repeatedly with hammer, prosecutors say

Ann Widdecombe died after being hit on the head with a hammer 21 times at her Devon home, prosecutors have told Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik said that on 8 July Widdecombe was eating lunch when the man accused of her murder, Joshua Kerry, arrived at her house in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered through the front door.

Kerry, who prosecutors say was only in the property for two minutes, then allegedly hit Widdecombe repeatedly with a hammer, tipped her from her chair and then took her wallet before driving off, the court heard.

The 28-year-old from South Yorkshire, who is charged with her murder, was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey later on Tuesday.

A provisional cause of death had been given as a blunt force injury to the head, the court was told.

Malik told the court that Widdecombe did not attend a pre-arranged online interview with Channel 5's Matt Allwright show that had been scheduled for just before 13:00 BST on 8 July.

The show's production team tried to contact Widdecombe through her personal assistant, who then asked Widdecombe's gardener to check on her, the court heard.

Prosecutors said gardener entered the house via the open front door on 9 July, and found Widdecombe lying face down on her kitchen floor with a serious head injury.

Kerry, from Rotherham, appeared emotionless in the dock and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He did not indicate a plea.

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