Uni staff who made Ann Widdecombe post shares why she won’t delete it | UK | News
A university employee has explained why he refused to remove his sick post about the late Ann Widdecombe. The former Conservative Party MP and Reform spokesman was found dead at his home on July 8. Police later launched an investigation into the death, which is believed to be a homicide.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. He was arrested again on suspicion of committing, preparing or inciting terrorist acts. News of Widdecombe’s death was followed by mixed reactions online. Mourners praised the long-serving MP while others reveled in the 78-year-old’s death.
Web developer Heather Herbert from the University of Aberdeen wrote: “Good news this time. I hope it was an extremely painful death. I hope he was handcuffed to the bed while screaming in pain.”
The university attempted to distance itself from Herbert, explaining why he made the post and not deleting it. he said Metro: “I’m not a hypocrite, the way he died changed my feelings about him.
“Of course I don’t want to see anyone killed, but I’m not sorry they’re dead. University of Aberdeen – what does that have to do with them? If you go out and drink and break a glass on a Friday night, is it the Metro’s fault?”
Herbert went on to explain that the handcuffs comment was related to Widdecombe’s role as prison minister and his support for shackling pregnant women during labor.
Ms Widdecombe told the House of Commons in 1996 that shackles were necessary to prevent prisoners from escaping. He said at the time: “Some MPs may want to think that a pregnant woman cannot or will not escape. Unfortunately, this is not true.”
“The reality is that hospitals are not safe places to hold prisoners and 20 women have escaped from hospitals since 1990.” The University of Aberdeen has since released a statement regarding Widdecombe’s death and Herbert’s comments.
Aberdeen’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Edwards, said an investigation had been launched into the comments. He added: “Ann Widdecombe was a highly respected figure in both Westminster and the European parliaments.
“The University of Aberdeen does not tolerate violence or hateful behavior of any kind. We are aware of the incident and the concerns raised and are investigating the matter on a priority basis.”
