Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after throwing a McDonald’s milkshake at Nigel Farage during his campaign for the Essex constituency in June. Bowen, an OnlyFans model, admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and received a 13-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.
The incident occurred outside the Moon and Starfish pub in Clacton-on-Sea, moments after Farage launched his candidacy for Reform UK. Bowen was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Farage, £17.50 to his security officer for damage to his suit, £450 in court costs, and complete 120 hours of unpaid work alongside 15 rehabilitation activity days.
Farage, who ultimately won the seat with a majority of 8,405, expressed his dismay following the sentencing. “We now live in a country where you can assault a Member of Parliament and not go to prison,” he posted on social media. In a statement read in court, Farage said he felt “humiliated” and concerned for his future safety, worrying that “next time it may not be a milkshake.”
Bowen’s lawyer, Caroline Liggins, told the court that her client had received “multiple threats” since the incident, which had significantly affected her mental health. “Victoria understands the gravity of her actions and hopes to put the episode behind her,” Liggins said.
This marks the second milkshake attack on Farage, who was doused with a banana and salted caramel shake in Newcastle during the 2019 European election campaign. That incident saw the perpetrator, Paul Crowther, convicted of assault and criminal damage, paying £350 in compensation and completing 150 hours of unpaid work.
Table of Contents
- A History of Food-Based Protests
- Recent Incidents: Glitter and Glittering Moments
- Protecting Politicians in the Public Sphere
A History of Food-Based Protests
Farage is not the first politician targeted by unusual projectiles, with “milkshaking” emerging as a symbolic act of protest. The trend even made its way into the Collins Dictionary in 2019. Beyond Farage, British politicians have faced a variety of food-based attacks:
- Harold Wilson (1970): A Conservative activist hurled an egg at the Labour Prime Minister during a campaign event.
- John Prescott (2001): The Labour Deputy Prime Minister famously punched a protester after being struck by an egg.
- Tony Blair (2004): The former Prime Minister was hit with purple flour-filled condoms in a Fathers 4 Justice protest at the House of Commons.
- Peter Mandelson (2009): The Labour business secretary had green custard thrown at him by a climate protester.
- David Cameron (2010): The then-Prime Minister was pelted with an egg during a campaign in Cornwall.
Recent Incidents: Glitter and Glittering Moments
In October 2023, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was showered with glitter by a protester during his conference speech in Brighton. While shaken, Starmer defused the situation and later auctioned his glitter-covered jacket for charity.
Protecting Politicians in the Public Sphere
Rebecca Mundy of the Crown Prosecution Service stressed the importance of safeguarding elected officials. “Threatening behaviour and attacks on electoral candidates and officials will never be tolerated,” she said.
Though Farage has faced numerous food-related protests, he remains a polarizing figure in British politics. Despite his history of controversial statements, he achieved his first-ever seat in the House of Commons this year after eight attempts.
As Bowen’s case highlights, public actions of protest can carry serious legal consequences, yet the phenomenon of symbolic attacks on politicians appears to persist. For many, these acts signal frustration and dissent, but for politicians like Farage, they raise questions about the safety and civility of public life.
A passionate content creator specializing in viral trends, fashion, beauty, and news. With a keen eye for the latest in style and pop culture, Dilshan Senarath delivers fresh, engaging insights that keep audiences informed and inspired. Expertise in curating viral stories with style and impact.
