Woman denies assault after Farage milkshake attack

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Nigel Farage was walking to the Reform UK campaign bus during the general election campaign when a woman appeared to throw the milkshake in his face
  • Author, Shivani Chaudhari and PA Media
  • Role, BBC News, Essex

A woman has denied assault after a milkshake was thrown over Nigel Farage during the general election campaign.

The Reform UK leader was leaving a pub in Clacton-on-Sea on 4 June having launched his candidacy for the Essex constituency when a milkshake was hurled in his face.

Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, of St Osyth Road in Clacton, has appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and pleaded not guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage.

Mr Farage, who won the seat after the 4 July vote, was campaigning at the Moon & Starfish pub on the seafront when the incident happened.

Image source, Lucy North/PA Media

Image caption, Victoria Thomas Bowen appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday

He seemed to make light of the incident later on in the day when he posed with a tray of four milkshakes in the nearby village of Jaywick.

Ms Thomas Bowen has been released on unconditional bail and is next due to appear at the same court for trial on 21 October.

Caroline Liggins, representing the defendant, said: "My client strongly protests her innocence and looks forward to fighting these unjust charges in court."

Image source, James Manning/PA Media

Image caption, Nigel Farage posed with a milkshake when he visited Jaywick, also in the Clacton constituency, later in the day on 4 June

Last month, Josh Greally, 28, admitted using threatening behaviour after throwing a coffee cup and another item at Mr Farage as he campaigned in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, on Tuesday, 11 June.

Greally, of Damsbrook Drive, Clowne, Derbyshire, is due to be sentenced on 28 August.

"Milkshaking" - the act of dousing public figures with the drink - was recognised as a word by the Collins Dictionary in 2019.

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