Victoria Thomas Bowen avoids jail after throwing milkshake at Nigel Farage in Clacton during election campaign
The OnlyFans model, 25, hurled the drink at Nigel Farage as he left the Moon and Starfish Wetherspoon pub in Essex on 4 June. Reacting to her sentencing, the Reform UK politician says it is the "latest example of two-tier justice".
Tuesday 17 December 2024 07:40, UK
A woman has avoided jail after throwing a milkshake at Nigel Farage during his general election campaign in Clacton-on-Sea.
Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, was sentenced to 13 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months.
She hurled the drink at the Reform UK politician, 60, as he left the Moon and Starfish Wetherspoon pub in the Essex town on 4 June.
She pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates Court on 21 October, where deputy senior district judge Tan Ikram also handed down her sentence on Monday.
Thomas Bowen, who is an OnlyFans model, was arrested shortly after the incident. She told police she saw a post online advertising Mr Farage's rally in her hometown that day, the court heard previously.
She told officers she "does not agree with his political views" and when she saw him leaving the pub, decided to act because she "had the opportunity".
Reacting to her sentence, Mr Farage said: "We now live in a country where you can assault a member of parliament and not go to prison. The latest example of two-tier justice."
The criminal damage to the jacket Mr Farage's security officer James Woolfenden was wearing amounted to £17.50, the court was told.
Thomas Bowen was ordered to pay Mr Woolfenden the £17.50 compensation, as well as £154 in a victim surcharge to Mr Farage and £450 in costs.
She will also have to complete 12 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of unpaid work.
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In a statement after the sentencing hearing, Thomas Bowen said she has received "multiple threats" since the incident.
Speaking on her behalf, Caroline Liggins, criminal defence lawyer at Hodge Jones & Allen, said: "Our client entered a guilty plea because she understands the gravity of the situation in which her impulsive decision has placed her.
"We are relieved the court has taken a sensible approach in dealing with this young woman by handing down a suspended sentence.
"She has suffered multiple threats since this happened, which have had a serious impact on her mental health.
"Victoria understands the impact of her actions and wishes to put the whole episode behind her. She hopes others can do the same."
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Farage 'felt humiliated'
In a victim impact statement read out in court, Mr Farage said he "felt humiliated" by the incident as it was "broadcast on national and international media".
He added that he was "deeply thoughtful for some time afterwards that next time it may not be a milkshake" and said the incident is part of "a growing security concern".
"I'm saddened that this has happened at a public campaign," he added.
Mr Farage, who is now the leader of his party, went on to win the Clacton-on-Sea seat from the Conservative incumbent Giles Watling.