A man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe and trying to break into Nigel Farage’s home had a particular hostility towards Reform UK, a court heard.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with killing the Reform UK spokesperson at her home in Haytor, Devon in July. The 78-year-old was found dead after she was struck over the head 21 times with a hammer.

He has also been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Mr Farage, between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026.

At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, the prosecution alleged Mr Kerry had been researching the home addresses and, in some cases, the office addresses of a number of politicians and other public figures. They were found in a note saved on his mobile phone, the court heard.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC told the court: “He held a particular hostility towards Reform.”

He told the court that it is the prosecution’s case that Ms Widdecombe’s murder has a “terrorist connection” and was politically and ideologically motivated, as he applied for the two charges to be joined. Mr Polnay claimed the two incidents are “inextricably linked”.

Appearing via video link from HMP Belmarsh, wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, Mr Kerry sat with his arms crossed and spoke only to confirm his identity during the brief hearing.

Remanding him into custody, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set a trial date for both charges on 8 June next year, with a plea and case management hearing on 29 January.

The court heard that Mr Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is accused of travelling to Mr Farage’s address and trying to gain entry on 19 April 2025.

The politician’s partner returned home the following day to find damage to a front door and a bottle of lighter fluid on the porch, Mr Polnay said.

He told the court that forensic examination discovered a tool mark which suggested that an attempt had been made to gain entry to the house.