Ann Widdecombe was bludgeoned 21 times over the head with a hammer in a two-minute attack captured on camera, a court heard today.

Joshua Kerry is accused of entering the former Tory minister and Brexit Party MEP’s Dartmoor home through the open front door and murdering her as she ate lunch in her kitchen.

Her gardener found her lying face down on the kitchen floor, around 24 hours after she was killed.

Kerry was allegedly filmed arriving at the bungalow in his red Vauxhall Corsa by Miss Widdecombe’s Ring doorbell camera before attacking her with a hammer in view of another camera in her hallway.

The 78-year-old was eating lunch shortly before a pre-arranged Zoom interview that was due to be broadcast live on Channel 5‘s The Matt Allwright Show at 12.50pm on July 8.

Prosecutors say Kerry drove 300 miles to Dartmoor from his home in Rotherham and entered the property with a hammer hidden behind his back.

He is alleged to have confronted Miss Widdecombe as she ate, asking her: ‘Don’t suppose you have bank cards and ID?’.

He then struck her 21 times on the top of her head.

The 28-year-old, from South Yorkshire, then tipped her from her chair on to the kitchen floor before rifling through her handbag and stealing her wallet.

Joshua Kerry, 28, who has been charged over the death of Ann Widdecombe and is accused of hitting her 21 times with a hammer he had hidden behind her back

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Miss Widdecombe was found lying face down in her kitchen (pictured) 

Just two minutes after entering the politician’s home, Kerry was back in his car and driving away from the scene, prosecutors say.

Around 24 hours later, on July 9, Miss Widdecombe’s gardener found her lying face down on the kitchen floor with a severe head injury.

He had been asked to check on her by her personal assistant after she was unable to contact her. The front door was open and held back by a doorstop.

Paramedics were called to the property and confirmed she had died. Police arrived at 12.01pm.

After the red Vauxhall Corsa was traced to Rotherham, Kerry was arrested at his home at 9.07pm on suspicion of murder. He was later further arrested under the Terrorism Act.

Police searches of the property recovered a hammer and a pair of gloves from a bin, prosecutors said.

A mobile phone seized from the defendant allegedly contained photographs taken on the day of Miss Widdecombe’s murder showing her driving licence and bank cards, which prosecutors say were stolen after the attack.

After the short hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Kerry will appear at the Old Bailey later today. 

It came as the coroner in Ann Widdecombe‘s inquest claimed the cause of her death is still yet to be established.

Senior coroner for Devon, Philip Spinney, said the ‘precise’ reason the former Tory minister died has not been confirmed, although she had ‘visible injuries’.

She was found dead at her rural property after becoming ‘uncontactable’, prompting a member of staff to carry out a welfare check at her Dartmoor home on July 9, the inquest heard.

Kerry arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court around the same time the inquest into Miss Widdecombe’s death opened 

A post-mortem examination has taken place but ‘at this stage the precise medical cause of death is yet to be established’, Mr Spinney said, as he opened, then adjourned, the inquest.

The coroner confirmed a post mortem has taken place but aid the medical cause of death has yet to be established.

Concerns were raised after she was uncountable and missed a media interview the previous day.

A statement from Coroner’s Officer Sarah Haworth said: ‘Concerns were raised that she was uncountable and an employee who was due at the home address was asked to conduct a welfare check.

‘She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries.

‘The post mortem examination has taken place and at this stage of the process the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.’

She was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.20pm on July 9

Mr Spinney said he would suspend the inquest until the conclusion of criminal proceedings and added: ‘It is plain that Miss Widdecombe was much loved and greatly missed.

‘I’d like to offer my condolences to the family of Miss Widdecombe.’

By ROSS IBBETSON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Published: 13:56 BST, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 14:10 BST, 21 July 2026

Donald Trump is preparing to unleash a fresh wave of tariffs on dozens of countries within days, brushing aside warnings from his own advisers that a renewed trade war could rattle the economy ahead of the midterms.

The President hammered Canada with a 50 percent levy on a sweep of goods on Monday, days after slapping 25 percent duties on Brazilian imports.

Now officials have drawn up options for Trump to hit dozens more nations as his blanket 10 percent global tariff is set to lapse on Friday, the Financial Times reports.

Senior officials have privately urged the President to keep the peace with trading partners and honor the deals Washington cut in 2025 to bring their rates down, according to the FT. 

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Democrats hold a nine-point lead on the midterm ballot, 50 percent to 41 percent, according to a Daily Mail/JL Partners poll this month, a warning sign for a president whose economic ratings are sliding.

The next round of tariffs is expected to target 60 countries with duties of between 10 and 12.5 percent, justified by a US investigation into forced labor practices first floated by trade officials in June.

A separate probe into excess manufacturing capacity has swept up the EU, China, Japan, India, Mexico, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Bangladesh.

The immediate levies are expected to sit roughly in line with the existing 10 percent, though the administration is chasing other investigations that could unlock far steeper duties down the line.

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Donald Trump holds up a chart as he announces tariffs on ‘Liberation Day’ in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025

The renewed offensive lands as tensions with Iran boil over, convulsing global energy markets and threatening to drag the region into a wider conflict (pictured: An Iranian missile launched in an unknown location in this screengrab obtained from a handout video released July 21)

The maneuvering lays bare how the White House is now leaning on a patchwork of procedural trade laws to impose duties after the Supreme Court struck down the sweeping ‘Liberation Day’ levies Trump announced in April 2025.

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Those reciprocal tariffs were replaced in February by the global 10 percent regime now about to expire, with the forced labor route allowing Trump to sidestep the emergency powers the justices rejected.

The renewed offensive lands as tensions with Iran boil over, convulsing global energy markets and threatening to drag the region into a wider conflict.

The fighting has hit American wallets hard, driving Brent crude above $90 per barrel and gasoline back above $4 per gallon this week as annual inflation runs near 3.3 percent on the Cleveland Fed’s latest nowcast.

More than half of voters rate Trump’s handling of the economy as bad and the same share say conditions are worsening, according to the Daily Mail’s polling.

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US trade envoys have already blunted some of the harshest measures of Trump’s tariffs, carving out exemptions for staples such as beef and coffee and softening levies on steel and aluminum goods.

After recent inquiries into critical minerals and airplane parts, officials advised negotiating with trading partners rather than reaching for tariffs, the FT reports.

The White House has been contacted for comment. 

By ROSS IBBETSON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Published: 13:26 BST, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 14:03 BST, 21 July 2026

Raven Adams was hit by a car as she walked home from her shift at The Thirsty Goat pub

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Taylor Swift’s ‘Bigger Than the Whole Sky’ played as friends and family of Raven Adams bid a final farewell to her in Dardistown Crematorium in Dublin this morning.

Raven, 24, originally from the Tipperary area, had just finished working at The Thirsty Goat pub in Belfast when she was killed following a road traffic collision involving a car and two pedestrians.

A man was also seriously injured in the York Street area at around 2.40am on Thursday and taken to hospital. Police said the driver of the car “fled the scene” but was arrested nearby.

A celebration of Raven’s life was held in Dardistown Crematorium in Dublin on Tuesday morning.

“I cannot contemplate life without you, Raven,” said older sister Chandi through tears.

“You were my sweet baby sister and the only reason I can stand here today is because I know you were happy.

“I have so many good memories of us together but in particular, you, me and Paul sitting talking for hours smoking rollies. It was impossible to feel awkward in your company, Raven.

“We would listen and dance to music from when we grew up – Mum’s music; Lady Gaga, High School Musical and One Direction and by the time we would sit down to eat we would be absolutely starving from all the dancing.

“I will love you forever and ever.”

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Raven’s sister Chandi also read out a message from Raven’s mum Kelsie.

“I don’t know how to go on without you. The world does not make sense without you in it. It’s a cruel world we live in and we could do with many more people like you, Raven. My heart is shattered into a million pieces.”

Raven’s father, Adam, also spoke during the ceremony describing his daughter as a “force of nature”.

“No words do Raven justice,” said Adam.

“Raven was a force of nature – she was fun, funny, silly and always messing around and smiling.

“Raven was fiery and passionate, she was fierce and loyal and protective.”

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Adam continued: “She was so strong. She had her challenges in life but she didn’t let them define her instead they made her into the independent and confident young woman that we all knew.

“The best way I can sum up Raven is through a Facebook post I keep seeing about her. Every time I go on Facebook it’s top of my feed – she must want to see it or something. The post simply reads: ‘If anyone could make lemonade when life gives you lemons, it was you kid.’ That was my girl.”

There were also tributes and poems read out by Raven’s auntie Mel and friends and housemates, Katie and Sharna.

Francis Donaldson, 22, of Cardigan Drive in Belfast, appeared before the city’s magistrates on Friday to face a number of charges, including causing death by dangerous driving on July 16.

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Spain superstar Lamine Yamal mocked Argentina brute Leandro Paredes with a punchy sign at his country’s World Cup celebrations in Madrid.

Two million Spain supporters crowded the streets of the capital to welcome their heroes after they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final.

But the immediate aftermath of the match was marred by the barbarous antics of Paredes, who attacked two Spain players.

He grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before shoving over substitute Gavi, causing a large-scale melee in the middle of the pitch – and it’s that second act to which Yamal’s sign referred.

Yamal held up a sign which read: ‘Velada del ano VII: Paredes vs Gavi’. The Velada del Ano is a celebrity boxing event in Spain, not unlike Misfits. 

Argentina were widely condemned for their behaviour after losing the final – but they have maintained a siege mentality about it. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was sent off in normal time, claimed that they had represented their nation in the ‘best way possible’.

Argentina midfielder Paredes was lambasted after the whistle for punching Eric Garcia and pushing Gavi to the ground

He said: ‘As time passes, you realize there is something much bigger than a result. 

‘For years, this group has represented our country in the best possible way. 

‘It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up. Being part of this group, which has always stood up, competed to the very end, and defended these colors with pride, humility, and commitment, is something I’ll always cherish. 

‘I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for your affection, for your unconditional support, and for making us feel at home no matter where we are in the world. 

‘Wearing my country’s shirt is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give everything I have every time I’m called upon to defend it.’

Defending the shirt with violence is another matter, though, and the BBC’s piundits weren’t impressed. Micah Richards said of Argentina’s behaviour: ‘It’s embarrassing. They were on the cusp every single time. 

‘Seeing that sort of stuff after the game was played, it’s not good, it’s embarrassing to be honest. Paredes is better than that. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this is not good enough.’

Joe Hart added: ‘Disgusting behaviour. There was one man on that pitch with class and that was Lionel Messi.’

Captain Rodri lifted the World Cup as Spain touched down in Madrid on Monday afternoon

Yamal carried his bags – including an oversized Hermes Birkin sack – off the plane

Wayne Rooney said: ‘It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this from Argentina before. It’s just sad, very poor from them. 

‘If you lose a game of football, be graceful. It’s a reaction to them being outplayed. Enzo Fernandez has got what he deserves.’ 

Argentina were thuggish throughout the World Cup final, just as they had been against England in the semis. 

Fernandez complained against his dismissal for a second yellow but his late foul on Pau Cubarsi, which sent the defender flying, was atrocious.

Paredes was also fortunate to not be sent off in regular time for a foul on the edge of the box which presented Lamine Yamal with a last-breath free-kick before extra-time. 

Argentina only had two shots in the entire match, the first of which came in the 117th minute. 

By contrast, they were trigger-happy on the fouls with 24 – though Spain didn’t have clean hands themselves, as they gave away 21. 

Alan Shearer said: ‘There’s a way to lose. Too many times we’ve seen that reaction from them. They were trying to win free-kicks and their reaction after full time was terrible. The best team won. It’s a result for football because of the way Spain have played.’ 

Spain were in high spirits as they celebrated winning the World Cup on their bus home to Madrid in the early hours of Monday morning

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Festivities in the hotel were limited to a bottle of £1,000 red wine drunk by Marcos Llorente, goalscorer Ferran Torres and Marc Pubill  

Marc Cucurella and Gavi posed in front of the team’s Airbus as they prepared to go home

The airplane arrived hours later as the city of Madrid readied a welcome home fit for heroes

Aymeric Laporte and Alex Baena both posed with the World Cup trophy onboard their plane

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Even Lionel Messi didn’t rise above the dark arts. The legendary forward was lambasted by Wayne Rooney after he tried to get Marc Cucurella sent off during the latter stages of the game.

The game descended into chaos when Fernandez received his second yellow card.

This led to a melee between both sets of players and Cucurella was spotted saying something to Messi.

The left-back then put a couple of fingers over his mouth and continued speaking, a move which the Argentine immediately reacted to and waved over the referee.

As per FIFA’s rules for this tournament, if a player holds their hand over their mouth in a confrontational situation, they will be sent off.

This was seen with Miguel Almiron for Paraguay in the group stage and Piero Hincapie in the knockout stages for Ecuador.

However, it didn’t appear that Cucurella was speaking in a confrontational manner and the referee, nor VAR, decided to intervene.

The BBC pundits were quick to hit out at Messi’s behaviour as his team headed into extra time a man down.

Rodri led a bus full of Spanish players in rounds of singing as they headed for Newark airport

Yamal had previously enjoyed a cigar in the lift as he began his journey back to Spain

The prodigious Barcelona star had celebrated earlier on the pitch with his girlfriend Ines Garcia

Hart said: ‘Oh wow! Wow! Yeah, I didn’t enjoy that at all from Lionel Messi.

‘You realise how on top Spain are if even Lionel Messi is reverting to that.’

Richards added: ‘We don’t want to see people getting sent off in a World Cup final for that.’

Rooney was similarly furious with Messi’s behaviour as he said: ‘It is desperation.

‘Argentina play like that, we know that’s what they do.

‘But the one thing you want is good sportsmanship and that was sad to see Lionel Messi doing that.’

Ffter lifting the trophy in front of a full house of their adoring fans, La Roja opted not to ring in their victory with a night of partying in the city that never sleeps.

Instead, Golden Ball winner Rodri got the party started in transit, leading a round of singing on the team bus as the jubilant players sped back to their hotel for a team meal, before moving on to Newark Airport.

Back at the hotel, noted wine connoisseur Marcos Llorente enjoyed a bottle of Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2014 – which costs £1,009 to uncork – in his room with team-mates Ferran Torres and Marc Pubil.

The stars then boarded the Airbus A350-941 waiting for them – clad in their team’s livery – and took off shortly after 2am local time.

Spain’s players landed at Madrid’s Barajas Airport at 2.30pm local time, and stepped out onto the tarmac with the World Cup trophy held aloft. 

The UK’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has appointed John Healey as chancellor of the exchequer. His pick to fill the UK’s top economic post was something of a surprise: if we were to believe the speculation, the choice was between a minister with strong views on the economy – Ed Miliband – and a pragmatist with solid managerial credentials – Shabana Mahmood.

Healey, however, is an MP with cabinet experience – and more of a pragmatist like Mahmood than an ideologue like Miliband.

The role of chancellor is one of the most consequential government posts in terms of policy. This is especially true in single-party majority governments like Labour’s. Here the finance minister controls the budget, in contrast to the coalition agreements that are typically agreed between parties in multiparty governments.

But in the UK, the chancellor is given the power to steer the government’s economic policy in the drafting of the budget. They also have almost-exclusive control of tax policy. By convention, the chancellor will not disclose or discuss his or her policy intentions prior to budget day to avoid being lobbied.

Their role is to maintain fiscal restraint – in other words, to keep a tight grip on spending and debt – and resist calls by various secretaries to increase spending in their departments. Perhaps Healey’s appointment to the chancellery is particularly surprising since he himself stood down as defence secretary because he felt the Treasury would not give his department the funding it needed.

Ideology and loyalty

In my book, Ideologues, Partisans, and Loyalists: Ministers and Policymaking in Parliamentary Cabinets, I show that cabinet ministers who are appointed for their managerial credentials rather than their policy views are more likely to be loyal to the prime minister. Ideologues are more likely to push for their ideal policies, at the risk of government instability.

Healey was not the person many expected to be Burnham’s pick for chancellor. In the days leading up to the new prime minister’s coronation and cabinet appointments, Mahmood appeared to be the frontrunner. Instead, she continues as home secretary.

In some ways even less is known, economically speaking, about Healey than about Mahmood. She at least is known to have shared many of Burnham’s progressive policy ideas, as she called for a higher top rate of income tax back in 2014.

Keeping Mahmood as home secretary is in many respects a mature decision – she has been very effective in the role. But it is disappointing that Burnham did not replace Rachel Reeves in Number 11 with another woman.

Mahmood would have been only the second woman chancellor of the exchequer in the UK’s history. I have been involved in research on finance ministers across 50 democracies, and according to our data, only around 15% are women.

Women finance ministers can have important differences from their male counterparts. While both men and women come to the role primarily from bureaucracy, higher education and the legal sectors, men are significantly more likely to come from the corporate and banking sectors. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to be drawn from international organisations such as the World Bank.

And if he had chosen Miliband as his chancellor, Burnham would have had a close ally in terms of policy priorities. But the new prime minister has had to strike a balance between ideals and reality. The fact is that he is not free to choose whoever he wants for chancellor – the markets watch the government closely and are looking for appointments that signal economic credibility.

The markets have certainly been watching this appointment extremely closely. In fact, after Healey’s appointment, shares in Britain’s biggest defence companies saw a £4 billion boost amid expectations that he will sign off on higher defence spending.

Unlike the more ideological Miliband, known for his strong and at times divisive views on energy policy, Healey can be described as a more “managerial” choice.

Healey worked as a journalist and a campaign manager before his election to parliament in 1997, so lacks professional experience in finance or economics outside government. But he is known for his effectiveness as defence secretary and has policy experience through junior appointments in the Treasury under Tony Blair.

Cabinet ministers who are not policy experts in their department are seen as easier to control compared to those, like Rishi Sunak for example, who come in with policy expertise.

If Healey is more of a loyalist appointment, he ticks a number of boxes for Burnham. He is likely to be easier to work with, for a start.

But despite this considerable time in the Treasury, very little is known about his views on the economy, and more generally about his economic outlook. Observers will be watching closely for clues as he enters 11 Downing Street.

Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee has approved proposals for a new retail park off Silksworth Lane featuring an M&S Foodhall, Aldi supermarket and Starbucks drive-through, creating about 150 permanent jobs.

The scheme, earmarked for disused land near Sainsbury’s in Silksworth, has attracted strong public backing, with hundreds supporting the plans despite objections over traffic, loss of green space and the impact on nearby residents.

However, the development is not yet over the line. Because of its out-of-town location and scale, the application must now be referred to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for a final decision before work can begin.

Earlier this year developers PRZM Real Estate unveiled the plans for the 2.7-hectare site, saying the scheme would create more than 100 jobs. At Monday’s planning meeting, representatives said the development would in fact deliver around 150 roles and support more than 270 construction jobs. 

If granted final approval, the M&S Foodhall will be the retailer’s second largest store in area following the opening of an expanded store in Washington and the closure of its High Street West site back in 2024.

Hundreds of comments were submitted during a public consultation on the development – at least 330 in support and 48 objections.

Those in favour said the plans would create jobs and bring M&S back to a more central Sunderland site.

But objectors said they were worried about a loss of green space, noise and light pollution, antisocial behaviour, a potential impact on privacy and ecology impacts, increased traffic and a loss of trees.

Several supermarket chains also objected, with Morrisons saying the plans went against policies focusing on retail and town centres. Sainsbury’s raised concerns about development on green space, “car parking overprovision” and highway modelling and  Asda said it had “highways-related concerns.”

Responses from the applicant’s agent maintained that the development proposals satisfied relevant tests and that planning issues raised had been addressed.

The council’s planning department said the applicant had “demonstrated that there are not any sequentially preferable alternative sites that could accommodate the proposed development”.

It was also noted that the applicant had “further demonstrated that retail impacts accord with the relevant policies” and that findings had been confirmed by the council’s “independent external consultant.”

An “acoustic barrier” is also planned along part of the development’s boundary to reduce any noise impact on nearby properties, along with works to mitigate flood risk.

Antony Mullen, a former Conservative councillor for the Barnes ward, spoke on behalf of residents who had objected to the scheme, and raised concerns about the retail development exacerbating existing traffic issues.

This included access issues for nearby residential streets, the impact of queuing traffic and pedestrian safety. Locals previously asked for improvements including an alternative entry point to the development, upgraded pedestrian crossing points and box junctions, to improve residential access.

Councillor David Wales also asked about potential safety improvements at the pedestrian crossing point adjacent to The Range store.

In response, highways officers said the council could look at a “road safety audit and assessment.”

Council planners said there was no legal or planning justification for the local planning authority to seek an alternative access arrangement as the local highway authority had found the proposed access acceptable.

Although council highways officers said the retail development was acceptable in highways terms, they said they would investigate highways issues raised separately.

​Scarborough and Whitby are set to see hundreds of affordable homes built through a multimillion-pound joint venture following the approval of a scheme by bosses at North Yorkshire Council.

​The project with housing developer Lovell Partnerships Ltd aims to establish a 30-year joint venture vehicle (JVV) with a contract value of up to £3.9 billion.

​Sandsend Road in Whitby is anticipated to deliver 60 homes, 18 of which will be affordable, while Eastfield in Scarborough is expected to deliver 548 homes, 196 of which will be affordable.

​The council intends to enter into forward purchasing agreements to secure 226 of these affordable homes for its Housing Revenue Account, contributing to a wider target of delivering 500 additional homes.

​Councillor Simon Myers, executive member for housing, said: “The proposed joint venture could provide a long-term mechanism for delivering new housing, affordable homes, and social value whilst generating returns for the council.

​“By working with a trusted partner and using land we already own, we can accelerate the delivery of high-quality housing, including much-needed affordable homes, so that more families have the opportunity to live in the communities they want to.”

​He added: “We know that joint ventures don’t always work, so we’ve been very keen to develop a structure of checks and balances that protect the council’s interest.”

​However, concerns were raised by the Whitby Community Network CIC about the venture’s ability to meet the housing needs in the area.

​Speaking at a recent NYC executive committee meeting on behalf of the network, Andy Jefferson highlighted that the proposed agreement designated only 30 per cent as “affordable” housing, which is the current requirement under the Local Plan for any housing developer.

​He questioned how this joint venture would “increase affordable housing delivery” and what benefit would be gained by local taxpayers and the residents of Whitby.

Council bosses said they recognised the housing challenges facing Whitby, including affordability pressures, the impact of second homes and holiday accommodation, and the need for housing that meets the requirements of local residents.

The provision of new social rented homes through this development would make a direct contribution towards addressing those needs and would provide housing that remains available to local households in perpetuity, they added.

​The council can, but is not required, to utilise the Joint Venture for more sites than those initial sites identified, according to a report.

The Government has set the council a target of delivering more than 4,000 new homes a year, and the joint venture would support that ambition.

The affordable homes delivered through the partnership would be taken on by the authority in its role as a social landlord, contributing to its aim to increase its housing stock by at least 500 new homes.

​

A judge has condemned calls to legalise cannabis after a son killed his estranged mother during a severe mental health episode when he developed paranoid schizophrenia following his habitual smoking of the drug.

Judge Steven Everett warned cannabis was a ‘terrible’ substance which ’caused and exacerbated’ mental health issues.

And he said campaigns to decriminalise it – led by politicians including Labour mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and the Green Party‘s Zack Polanski – were ‘wholly misconceived.’

The judge hit out after hearing how drifter Simon Carter made a 245 mile trip from his rented room in Devon to batter his widowed mother Gwyneth, 73, to death with such ferocity he broke his own hand.

Just two days before the fatal assault at the elderly victim’s home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, Carter, 50, had admitted himself to a hospital.

He admitted a history of abusing cannabis and claimed he had been attacked by mystery assailants before being forcibly injected with heroin.

But he was allowed back on the streets because doctors had no ‘mechanism’ or proper reason to have him detained. 

He has since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and having delusional beliefs.

Judge Steven Everett (pictured) said Gwyneth Carter’s killing was just the latest tragedy to illustrate why calls to decriminalise cannabis were ‘wholly misconceived’

At Chester Crown Court, Carter was ordered to be detained in a secure psychiatric unit having admitted manslaughter on the ground of diminished responsibility.

Judge Everett told him: ‘This is just further evidence as far as I can see that those who talk about cannabis being somewhat of a positive drug in the community are wholly misconceived.

‘You are not the first and sadly won’t be the last with mental health issues to appear before me and say: “I smoke cannabis.”

‘There is a wealth of evidence that use of that terrible drug causes and exacerbates mental health issues.

‘Whatever else it causes it is clear your bizarre behaviour and comments to your doctor were there for all to see. 

‘But there was no reason or mechanism to keep you out of the community when you were seen by the hospital in days leading up to your mother’s death.

‘What was going through your mind is difficult to assess but I am quite sure it was affected by significant mental health issues.

‘You intended to carry out some sort of, as you saw it, wrongly, retribution upon your mother and it appears that you still now have those delusional beliefs.’

Police were called to Mrs Carter’s home in Macclesfield, Cheshire following the discovery of her body on July 18, 2025

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Carter had been estranged from his parents since 2006 and was unaware his father Norman had passed away.

Tragedy struck when he decided to pay his family an unexpected visit on the pretext he wanted to see his children.

On July 12, 2025, Carter travelled to Macclesfield where great grandmother Mrs Carter lived alone.

She contacted her sister Janis to say he had arrived ‘out of the blue’, prosecutor Martin Reid KC said.

‘Mrs Carter described the defendant as acting very strangely and she couldn’t work out whether he was drunk or on drugs, and that he just didn’t feel like her son.’

On being told his father had died, she said he ‘did not seem bothered and he only stayed for 10-15 minutes’.

The following day he was admitted to an unnamed health facility where he reported being attacked ‘multiple times’ and injected with heroin whilst living in Torquay.

‘He said he used to smoke cannabis but had stopped a month ago,’ Mr Reid said.

‘He appeared confused, uneasy, talked excessively and asked: “Do you think I’m mad?”

‘But medical examinations revealed no findings and he was discharged.’

Then on July 16 Carter was seen carrying a rucksack containing a saw before loitering outside his mother’s house.

A neighbour heard a ‘lot of banging and shouting’ and heard Mrs Carter pleading ‘No’ and then what sounded like a heavy suitcase being dragged down the stairs.

Her body was found in the living room two days later after her sister – who had been trying in vain to contact her – gained access to the property.

Tests showed she died from multiple head and neck injuries. 

As police investigated, Carter admitted himself to Macclesfield Hospital A&E where he was treated for a broken hand.

Asked about his injury by a nurse, he replied: ‘Oh, I punched something.’ 

He was arrested shortly afterwards as he walked through Macclesfield town centre.

In a victim personal statement Janis Slater said: ‘Gwyneth was just getting back to her usual self after a few years of sadness following the death of Norman.

‘She started to believe that she had a life again. 

‘Then she rang me around tea time on a Saturday and said: “Guess who has turned up after 19 years?”

‘I started to worry about Gwyneth with Simon being around and I told her to lock the doors and windows and hide her jewellery. 

‘There had been issues before he left and Gwyneth said he would not be coming back.

‘I just wish you had told me when he came again. Before you answered the door, I would have been there in five minutes. 

‘I miss you dearly. Our day trips out, our shopping, our meals out, our chats and conversations. 

‘I miss your laughter which was loud and infectious.’

In mitigation, Owen Edwards KC, said Carter’s life had been ‘marred by drug use and significant mental health issues’. 

‘He has fixed ideas as to that which has happened to him and to individuals that he believes are close to him,’ he added.