Ann Widdecombe’s cause of death yet to be established, inquest hears - as suspect arrives in court
Ann Widdecombe’s cause of death is yet to be established, the opening of an inquest into her death has heard.
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The former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9, having suffered “visible injuries”, a brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday.
Philip Spinney, senior coroner for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said Miss Widdecombe was found unresponsive in her home by an employee carrying out a welfare check after concerns were raised due to her being “uncontactable”.
Emergency services were called to her address in Haytor Vale but she was pronounced dead at 12.20pm on July 9.
Mr Spinney said: “A post-mortem examination has taken place and at this stage the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.
“Shortly after the conclusion of this hearing I shall be taking steps to formally suspend this inquest… Until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.”
The coroner added he wished to offer his “deep condolences” to the family of Miss Widdecombe.
It comes as Joshua Kerry, 28, arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he is due to appear charged with the murder of Miss Widdecombe.
Earlier a prison van was pictured arriving at the central London court.
He was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon.
On July 13, he was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division said: “We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor.
“Police enquiries into the defendant’s motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.“Our prosecutors have worked closely with the 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."
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said detectives were continuing to examine the circumstances around Ms Widdecombe's death including any possible political motivation, and warned the investigation remained “intensive and complex”.
He said officers had identified more than 800 lines of inquiry, adding: “We must do this right, not just quickly.”Mr Taylor said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
More to follow.