A woman who threw a milkshake at Nigel Farage during the general election campaign has been handed a 13-week suspended prison sentence. Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, launched the milkshake at the Reform UK leader outside a Wetherspoon’s pub in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on June 4, during his campaign launch for the constituency.
Bowen, an OnlyFans model, admitted charges of assault by beating and criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Alongside her suspended sentence, she was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and pay £150 in compensation to Farage. Additionally, she must pay £450 in court costs, a £154 victim surcharge, and £17.50 to Farage’s security guard, James Woolfenden, for damage to his suit caused by the milkshake.
Table of Contents
- Humiliating and Dangerous
- Motivated by Political Disagreement
- A Pattern of Attacks
- “Multiple Threats” Received
Humiliating and Dangerous
In a victim impact statement, Farage described the incident as “humiliating,” emphasizing the risk it posed to his safety and the chilling effect such attacks could have on public office. He expressed concern that “next time, it may not be a milkshake.” Farage, who secured the Clacton seat in the election with an 8,405 majority, added that attacks like this discourage individuals from participating in democratic processes.
Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram condemned the attack, stating:
“This was not just an attack on him but, on my judgment, an attack on our parliamentary democracy. Public debate must not be shut down by criminality such as this.”
The judge also noted that the incident, captured on video, went viral on social media, amplifying its impact.
Motivated by Political Disagreement
Bowen admitted to targeting Farage after reading on social media that he would be in Clacton that day. She purchased a McDonald’s milkshake and hurled it at Farage as he exited the Moon and Starfish pub, reportedly shouting an expletive. During a police interview, Bowen stated that she acted because she disagreed with Farage’s political views, adding that she assumed he could “afford the damage.”
Initially, Bowen denied the charges and was set to face trial in October but changed her plea to guilty shortly before proceedings began.
A Pattern of Attacks
Farage has been a recurring target of “milkshaking” — a trend where individuals throw milkshakes at public figures, particularly politicians. The term gained prominence in 2019 when Farage was doused with a banana and salted caramel milkshake during a campaign event in Newcastle. This incident followed others, including a coffee cup thrown at him by Josh Greally in Barnsley earlier this year. Greally also received a suspended sentence.
Rebecca Mundy of the Crown Prosecution Service stressed the importance of ensuring public officials can work safely, stating:
“Threatening behavior and attacks on electoral candidates and officials will never be tolerated.”
“Multiple Threats” Received
Bowen’s lawyer, Caroline Liggins, told the court that her client has faced “multiple threats” since the incident, which have adversely affected her mental health. Liggins added:
“She understands the gravity of the situation in which her impulsive decision has placed her and hopes to put this episode behind her.”
Despite the sentence, Bowen’s actions have reignited debate over the security and safety of public figures, as well as the limits of protest in democratic societies.
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.
