Milkshake Assault: Woman Pleads Guilty to Attacking Nigel Farage During Election Campaign

Victoria Thomas Bowen of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, admitted to assault charges following an incident where she hurled a milkshake at Nigel Farage amid his election campaign. The event occurred outside a Wetherspoon's pub in the coastal town on June 4, leading to charges of criminal damage and assault by beating.

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Monday, October 21, 2024, 12:

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A 25-year-old woman admitted to assault charges after she hurled a milkshake at Nigel Farage amid his campaign for the general election.

This morning, Victoria Thomas Bowen of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, was presented before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, facing charges of assault by beating and criminal damage.

Initially, she had rejected the accusations, but she altered her pleas to guilty prior to the start of her trial today.

Nigel Farage, aged 60, had a beverage thrown on him as he exited the Moon and Starfish Wetherspoon's pub in Clacton-on-Sea on June 4.

Authorities claimed that damage amounting to £17.50 was inflicted on a jacket owned by Mr Farage's security personnel, James Woolfenden.

Earlier in the day, after speaking to his supporters at a gathering, he found his dark blue suit stained with a yellow liquid.

Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram postponed the sentencing to December 16 and informed the defendant, "You have admitted to what I consider to be two grave offenses.

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"The incident was a deliberate and unprovoked assault directed at a serving Member of Parliament. I consider these crimes to be of grave concern.

"I am requesting a pre-sentencing report that will explore all possible sentencing alternatives."

In a statement presented to the court, Mr. Farage declared that though he was unharmed, the event was troubling as he was merely performing his duties, emphasizing his effort to "engage with the public as much as possible."

"He expressed his sorrow over the incident occurring during a public campaign."

Thomas Bowen was taken into custody soon after the event occurred. In her statement to the police, she mentioned seeing an online advertisement for Mr. Farage's event in Clacton-on-Sea on the same day, according to what was reported in court.

She informed the police that she "disagrees with his political opinions."

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She mentioned that she was outside the bar when she noticed him exiting, and she chose to take action since she "saw the chance."

Relaying information from Thomas Bowen's interrogation, prosecutor Nishma Shah informed the court: "She admits that the act was indeed an assault and that the liquid would have splashed onto his and others' jackets, necessitating cleaning. However, she mentions that Nigel could easily cover the cost of this."

"She claims she has no remorse for her actions."

She informed the police that it was not her intention to strike Mr. Farage with the cup.

During the trial, when questioned about Thomas Bowen's sudden plea change, defense attorney Andrew Price explained to the court, "This case has profoundly affected the defendant."

"Multiple threats have been directed at the defendant, who tried her best to dismiss these concerns and delay the decision that she eventually reached."

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The lawyer previously secured a court's approval to permit Thomas Bowen to withhold reading her address publicly, citing "extremely serious threats" related to the case.

She was given bail without any conditions before her sentencing.

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In August, an individual who hurled objects at Mr. Farage during his campaign managed to escape a jail sentence.

28-year-old Josh Greally admitted to committing a public order offense when he hurled what seemed to be a disposable coffee cup and another item at the leader of Reform UK in the center of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, on June 11.

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He received a six-week jail term, which was suspended for one year. Additionally, he must complete 120 hours of community service, attend 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and cover the legal fees.

Nigel Farage has been elected as the Member of Parliament for Clacton, securing the position in the July 4th election with a majority of 8,405 votes.

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