Prosecutors say former politician and broadcaster Ann Widdecombe was attacked at her home in Devon while she was eating lunch. The case centers on allegations that Joshua Kerry, 28, entered the property and assaulted her before taking her wallet.
According to the prosecution account, Kerry was inside the home for only about two minutes and was wearing black gloves. Prosecutors allege he repeatedly struck Widdecombe on the head with a hammer in her kitchen, then tipped her from her chair during the incident.
The prosecution also says the wallet was stolen after the alleged assault. The details outlined so far present the case as a short but violent attack inside Widdecombe’s home, with the alleged sequence of events taking place rapidly.
The allegations were reported by the BBC as prosecutors set out their case. Further proceedings are expected to examine the claims in more detail, including the circumstances of the alleged assault and theft in Devon.
