James Saunders
Guest Reporter
A woman who threw a milkshake over Nigel Farage on the campaign trail in Clacton has avoided jail.
OnlyFans model Victoria Thomas Bowen, from the Essex seaside town, had previously admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage after covering the Reform UK leader with the drink back in June.
As Farage was leaving Clacton-on-Sea's Moon and Starfish pub, Thomas Bowen emerged from the crowd and launched the milkshake at him, Essex Police said.
She then left the area but was "quickly" arrested in the town centre, the force added.
The 25-year-old had also pleaded guilty to causing £17.50 worth of damage to a jacket belonging to Farage's security officer, James Woolfenden.
After her plea back in October, Essex Police's Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said: "It is vital that democracy is allowed to take place and we police without fear or favour.
"Disagreeing with someone's political views is not an excuse to use violence or intimidation.
"Elected officials and people standing for elected office, like any member of the public, must be allowed to go about their business without fear for their safety."
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Farage's witness statement, which had been read out in court in October, said "this incident caused me concern as I have only been going about my job", and added and that he tries to "have as much public engagement as possible".
At Westminster Magistrates' Court today, she was handed a 13-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Thomas Bowen was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
In court, prosecutor Nishma Shah had said: "She had seen posts online advertising Nigel Farage would be in Clacton-on-Sea... she didn't agree with his political views.
"She brought a McDonald's banana milkshake and didn't know whether she would throw it or not.
"She was sat outside the Moon and Starfish pub and decided to do it as she 'had the opportunity'.
"She threw the drink knowing it would go over him but didn't intend for the cup to hit him.
She acknowledged the suit would need cleaning. She said he could afford it."
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OnlyFans model Victoria Thomas Bowen, from the Essex seaside town, had previously admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage after covering the Reform UK leader with the drink back in June.
As Farage was leaving Clacton-on-Sea's Moon and Starfish pub, Thomas Bowen emerged from the crowd and launched the milkshake at him, Essex Police said.
She then left the area but was "quickly" arrested in the town centre, the force added.
The 25-year-old had also pleaded guilty to causing £17.50 worth of damage to a jacket belonging to Farage's security officer, James Woolfenden.
After her plea back in October, Essex Police's Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said: "It is vital that democracy is allowed to take place and we police without fear or favour.
"Disagreeing with someone's political views is not an excuse to use violence or intimidation.
"Elected officials and people standing for elected office, like any member of the public, must be allowed to go about their business without fear for their safety."
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Farage's witness statement, which had been read out in court in October, said "this incident caused me concern as I have only been going about my job", and added and that he tries to "have as much public engagement as possible".
At Westminster Magistrates' Court today, she was handed a 13-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Thomas Bowen was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
In court, prosecutor Nishma Shah had said: "She had seen posts online advertising Nigel Farage would be in Clacton-on-Sea... she didn't agree with his political views.
"She brought a McDonald's banana milkshake and didn't know whether she would throw it or not.
"She was sat outside the Moon and Starfish pub and decided to do it as she 'had the opportunity'.
"She threw the drink knowing it would go over him but didn't intend for the cup to hit him.
She acknowledged the suit would need cleaning. She said he could afford it."
Find Out More...