Nigel Farage has branded the sentencing of OnlyFans model Victoria Thomas Bowen as "two-tier justice" after she was spared prison for throwing a milkshake at him during the General Election campaign.
Bowen, 25, received a 13-week suspended jail term for hurling a McDonald's banana milkshake at the Reform UK leader as he exited the Moon and Starfish pub in Clacton-on-Sea. Farage, who emerged from the establishment on June 4, 2023, was drenched by the milkshake and hit by the cup as well, raising eyebrows over the severity of Bowen's punishment.
After the sentencing, Farage took to social media and stated, "We now live in a country where you can assault a Member of Parliament and not go to prison. This is the latest example of two-tier justice." His remarks echoed broader concerns over perceived disparities in legal repercussions following public unrest.
Bowen initially denied charges of assault and criminal damage but entered guilty pleas on the day of her trial. At Westminster Magistrates' Court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram rebuked Bowen for showing no remorse, deeming her actions "an attack on democracy." She was ordered to complete 120 hours of community service and pay £150 to Farage and £17.50 to his security officer James Woolfenden, whose jacket was stained during the incident. Alongside this, Bowen must pay £154 as a victim surcharge and the court's costs, totaling £450.
During his statement to the court, Farage expressed feeling "humiliated" by the attack, which went viral online. He said, "I was deeply thoughtful for some time afterwards. The next time it might not be a milkshake." Farage, concerned for his safety, raised alarms about the negative impact such incidents could have on political involvement, asserting, "Incidents like this put people off standing for public office, and are bad for our democracy."
Judge Ikram expressed his dismay at the growing trend of violence against politicians, referring to Bowen's act as "an unprovoked and targeted attack." He emphasized the importance of public debate remaining unhindered by criminality. The judge noted the potential risks faced by public figures, alluding to the tragic murders of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, which have underscored growing concerns about the safety of political candidates.
Prosecutor Nishma Shah informed the court of Bowen's intentions behind the assault, clarifying she acted directly because she disagreed with Farage's views. "She went to McDonald's, bought a milkshake, and had the idea of throwing it over him," Shah detailed. A witness claimed they heard her shout obscenities as the incident unfolded.
Bowen later revealed her unrepentant attitude post-arrest, claiming she believed Farage could easily afford damage to his clothes. After being apprehended, she cited mental health struggles but provided no medical evidence to support these claims. Defense counsel Zarif Khan labeled Bowen's actions as "a naive stupid reaction by this young woman, at a time when she was going through some personal distress."
Following the court's decision, Bowen's lawyer Caroline Liggins explained the consequences of the public's response to the assault on her client, stating she has faced numerous threats and harassment since the incident, significantly impacting her mental well-being. "Victoria understands the gravity of her actions and hopes to put the whole episode behind her," Liggins noted.
Rebecca Mundy from the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the need for safety among politicians, stating, "It is of paramout importance...that elected officials feel safe to work without fear of harm or abuse." This attack was not the first of its kind for Farage, who had faced similar incidents before, including being doused with drinks during campaign activities.
Farage's subsequent political career continued with success, as he was elected MP for Clacton shortly after the incident. Having secured the seat during the election on July 4, 2023, Farage gained substantial support, flipping the seat previously held by Conservative Giles Watling.
The evolution of such aggressive public interactions, labeled as "milkshaking," has drawn attention worldwide, demonstrating how campaigns can become malicious affairs. The term "milkshaking" was even acknowledged by Collins Dictionary as part of the political vernacular, marking its entry as a notable social phenomenon.
This incident serves as yet another reminder of the dangers public figures face when engaging with constituents and the precarious balance of public discourse and safety. Farage's reflection on this episode reveals serious concerns for the future of political engagement and the climate surrounding electoral campaigns.
