Woman pleads guilty to throwing milkshake over Reform UK leader
Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, has pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage
Last updated 21st Oct 2024
A woman has changed her plea to guilty at Westminster Magistrate’s Court, after the Reform UK leader was doused in a milkshake during his election campaign in Clacton.
Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, Clacton, previously denied charges of assault by beating and criminal damage, and was released on unconditional bail.
Today, Ms Bowen appears in the same court alongside the Reform UK leader and Clacton MP, Nigel Farage.
Mr Farage was leaving a Wetherspoons pub in Clacton when a milkshake was thrown on him.
He'd held a rally in the seaside town earlier that day (4 June) as part of the general election campaign.
Commencing the trial, the defence asked if the defendant, Ms Bowen, could be outside the dock so he could communicate with her.
The Judge, Tan Ikram, denied the request.
Th defence continued saying the defendant had received some "very dangerous" threats to her safety.
Ms Bowen, who was wearing a green top and black trousers, stood and confirmed her name and date of birth.
Ms Bowen then pleaded guilty to: assault by beating and criminal damage caused to a jacket belonging to a member of Mr Farage's team.
The prosecution told the court, Ms Bowen decided to do it because she ‘had the opportunity’.
"She didn’t intend for the cup to hit him" and "didn't regret her actions", the court heard.
Regarding the damage to Mr Farage's jacket, the defendant previously said in an interview Mr Farage "could afford it".
The prosecution told the court, Mr Farage had said ‘liquid went all over" him and it caused him "concern" and was "saddened it happened at a public campaign".
Judge Tan Ikram told the court the attack was "unprovoked" and "targeted" on a now "elected member of parliament", something he deems "very serious".
Ms Bowen has been released on unconditional bail and will next appear in court on 16 December.