Trans activist charged in Scotland over malicious online posts about the murder of Ann Widdecombe
A Scottish university worker and transgender activist has been arrested and charged following a series of highly controversial social media posts regarding the death of former Conservative minister and television personality Ann Widdecombe.
The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Heather Herbert, works as a web developer at Aberdeen University. The arrest follows reports made to Police Scotland on July 11, 2026, concerning online remarks posted shortly after Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her Dartmoor residence.
Initially, Police Scotland stated that no criminality was found in the social media activity. However, authorities later reopened the case, launching additional inquiries that led to Herbert’s arrest on Thursday. The university has also confirmed that it is conducting its own internal investigation into the web developer’s conduct.
The charges relate to highly graphic and malicious comments allegedly posted by Herbert before the police formally declared Widdecombe’s death a murder. In one post, Herbert allegedly expressed hope that the former MP “died a painful death.” Another post allegedly read: “I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.”
The criminal charges in Scotland come amidst a rapidly expanding, high-profile murder and counter-terrorism investigation in England. Widdecombe was found dead inside her home in Devon, and Devon and Cornwall Police are now treating her death as a targeted homicide.
A 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on Saturday night in connection with the killing. While initially detained on suspicion of murder, the suspect was subsequently re-arrested under the Terrorism Act for the commission, preparation, and instigation of a terrorist act.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who heads Counter Terrorism Policing, confirmed that there is clear evidence of planning behind the attack. Counter-terror officers have taken charge of the investigation as they work to establish a definitive motive, with growing evidence suggesting the attack may have been politically motivated.
CCTV footage obtained during the investigation shows the 28-year-old suspect leaving his home five hours before the estimated time of the murder, carrying what appeared to be a wooden baton in his pocket. He is believed to have made a 540-mile round trip from South Yorkshire to Devon to carry out the assault.
The suspect’s family expressed deep shock over his arrest, with his uncle publicly condemning the killing and paying tribute to Widdecombe’s forthright and principled career.
As the counter-terrorism investigation into the murder suspect continues in England, Police Scotland confirmed that a formal report regarding Herbert’s online posts will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
