A university employee has been arrested by authorities following accusations of expressing a desire for Ann Widdecombe to suffer a painful death. Heather Herbert, 50, allegedly made the disturbing comment on social media, where she also reportedly stated that it was a positive development that the former Cabinet Minister had passed away, expressing a wish for her to experience extreme pain while being restrained.
The contentious posts were purportedly shared on Bluesky last week prior to the revelation of Ms. Widdecombe’s demise at her residence in Dartmoor being treated as a potential homicide. Initially, Police Scotland indicated that the remarks did not constitute criminal behavior. However, on Thursday, they announced the charging of Herbert with an offense.
Specifics of the charge will be disclosed during Herbert’s initial court appearance. A police spokesperson mentioned that following reports received on Saturday, July 11, 2026, regarding an online post, a 50-year-old individual was apprehended and charged in connection with the incident. A formal report will be presented to the procurator fiscal.
Aberdeen University, where Herbert serves as a web developer, is also examining the comments. The university’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Edwards, emphasized the institution’s zero-tolerance stance towards violence and hateful conduct, assuring that the comments are being promptly investigated.
A university representative clarified that the remarks shared are solely the individual’s opinion and do not reflect the university’s stance. They asserted that violence and hateful behavior are not endorsed in any form. The university is collaborating with Police Scotland during their investigation and refrained from providing further comments.
The Scottish Greens are reportedly reviewing Herbert’s comments. Herbert had joined the Scottish Greens in late 2021 after previously being associated with the Scottish Labour party.
Ms. Widdecombe was discovered deceased in her Haytor, Devon home last Thursday at the age of 78. A 28-year-old suspect from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was detained on suspicion of her murder on Saturday and remains under interrogation. The suspect was re-arrested on Monday on allegations related to terrorism, allowing authorities to detain him for up to seven days without charge as the investigation progresses.
The announcement by Police Scotland coincided with a poignant moment when former Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Liz Truss, 50, became emotional while paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe during a speech in London. Truss lauded Widdecombe’s principled nature, highlighting her commitment to values such as free speech, patriotism, and family, and expressed deep sorrow over her tragic death.