The man accused of murdering the former MP Ann Widdecombe in July has appeared in court faced with a new allegation of preparing terrorist acts, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared in person at Westminster Magistrates' Court, and spoke only to confirm his address in Rotherham and his date of birth.

With a thick beard, he wore a grey sweatshirt and trousers.

He was accompanied by four custody officers in the dock and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.

He was told he faced a new charge of preparing terrorist acts between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026 by carrying out research on targets and travelling to, and attempting to gain entry to, the home of Nigel Farage.

The court heard that in April 2025 Nigel Farage's partner found that damage had been caused to their main front door at their house and a bottle of lighter fluid was found in the porch.

The court also heard that Kerry is alleged to have carried out online reconnaissance of "prominent people and institutions".

Kerry was charged in July with the murder of 78-year-old Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman.

Widdecombe was found dead on 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon, having sustained serious injuries.

She served as Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and was appointed to ministerial roles in Sir John Major's government in the 1990s.