Ann Widdecombe died after being hit on the head with a hammer 21 times at her Devon home, prosecutors have told Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Kashif Malik said that on 8 July Widdecombe was eating lunch when the man accused of her murder, Joshua Kerry, arrived at her house in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered through the front door.
Kerry, who prosecutors say was only in the property for two minutes, then allegedly hit Widdecombe repeatedly with a hammer, tipped her from her chair and then took her wallet before driving off, the court heard.
The 28-year-old from South Yorkshire, who is charged with her murder, was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey later on Tuesday.
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