Aberdeen University worker charged over Ann Widdecombe death comments

An Aberdeen University employee has been arrested and charged over social media comments about the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe.

Heather Herbert had reportedly posted that Widdecombe's death on Thursday was "good news" and that she hoped it was an "extremely painful death".

Her posts were reported to Police Scotland who initially said there was no criminality in relation to what she had written.

The force then confirmed the case was under investigation and a 50-year-old has now been arrested and charged.

A spokesperson said: "We received reports on Saturday 11 July 2026 relating to a post made online.

"Following further assessment, a 50-year-old has been arrested and charged in connections.

"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."

The university previously said the incident, which happened before the politician's death was treated as an alleged murder, was under review.

Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon last Thursday, having sustained serious injuries.

A white British man, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, originally arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has now been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, has said Widdecombe died in a "brutal" and "targeted attack".

He confirmed a counter-terrorism investigation is "running in parallel" to the murder investigation.