Ann Widdecombe was repeatedly hit on the head with a hammer, prosecutors said.

Ann Widdecombe died after being hit in the head 21 times with a hammer at her Devon home, prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik said Widdecombe was having lunch on July 8 when Joshua Carey, who is accused of her murder, arrived at her home in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered the front door.

The court heard that Carey, who prosecutors said was only in the property for two minutes, then repeatedly hit Widdicombe with a hammer, pushed her out of her chair and then took her purse before driving away, the court heard.

The 28-year-old, from South Yorkshire, who was charged with her murder, was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

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