A man charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe is also accused of trying to break into Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s home in an alleged terror plot, a court heard.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including against Mr Farage, between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard Mr Kerry allegedly carried out online reconnaissance on prominent people and institutions, including identifying the home address of Mr Farage.

He is accused of travelling to the address and trying to gain entry on 19 April last year.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that the politician’s partner returned home the following day to find part of the wooden door frame hanging off and a bottle of lighter fluid on the porch.

Forensic examination discovered a tool mark, “the inference being that an attempt was made to gain entry to the house”, Mr Malik said.

Mr Kerry is also accused of targeting Reform UK spokeswoman Ms Widdecombe at her home in Haytor, Devon. The 78-year-old former prisons minister was killed on 8 July after she was struck over the head 21 times with a hammer.

Appearing wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his identity during the brief hearing.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him in custody to appear the Old Bailey on Friday, telling the defendant: “Mr Kerry, the terrorism charge which you face is indictable only which means I must send it to the crown court.”

Announcing the fresh charges last week, Counter Terrorism Policing said Mr Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), 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.”