Ann Widdecombe’s family have made an announcement as they “understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral”.<\/p>\n
The family of Miss Widdecombe said a public memorial will be held later this year. The 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9 with serious head injuries.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Miss Widdecombe\u2019s family said: \u201cWe understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe. A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed. A more public memorial will follow later in the year, the details of which will be released in due course.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we are very grateful for the wide expression of condolences, the family would ask that this initial service is limited to those closest to Ann.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with her murder.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors say that on July 8, Miss Widdecombe had been eating lunch when Kerry allegedly pulled up outside the front of her bungalow in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered through the front door. Kerry then allegedly used a hammer to hit Miss Widdecombe on her head 21 times, prosecutors told the Old Bailey on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
A provisional cause of death was given as a blunt force injury to the head, the court heard. Detectives are still investigating any possible political or terrorist motivation.<\/p>\n