British counter-terrorism police have charged a 28-year-old man with preparing acts of terrorism, including a suspected plot targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was charged on Friday with one count of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts. Prosecutors say the alleged activity took place between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 7 October.
The charge was announced by the Crown Prosecution Service after what police described as a long-running and highly complex investigation led by the Counter Terrorism Policing network.
A long and complex investigation
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said prosecutors had decided there was sufficient evidence to bring the case to court.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with 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,” Ferguson said. He also reminded the public that proceedings remain active and that Kerry has the right to a fair trial.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said detectives, analysts and forensic experts had worked across multiple lines of enquiry. “We have been running a hugely intensive and complex investigation for some time,” she said, describing the charge as the result of tireless work across the network.
Murder charge connection
Kerry was already in custody over the death of Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative minister, who died on 8 July after being struck on the head with a hammer at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. He was charged with her murder on 20 July and refused bail at the Old Bailey, where a provisional trial date was set for June next year.
Farage, one of the most influential figures in British politics over the past decade and widely credited with forcing the referendum on Britain’s EU membership, has said he receives more than 300 threats a month. Reform UK has been at the centre of political debate as the party’s support has risen in recent years.
Police stressed that the investigation continues and urged the public not to share material that could prejudice the legal proceedings.
Source: Reuters