Clacton-on-Sea, UK – A woman who threw a McDonald’s milkshake at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during the 2024 general election campaign has received a suspended prison sentence.
Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, hurled the drink at Farage on June 4 as he exited the Moon and Starfish pub in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. The attack came shortly after Farage launched his campaign for the constituency.
Bowen admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. She was sentenced to a 13-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, alongside 120 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, she must pay Farage £150 in compensation, £450 in court costs, and £154 as a victim surcharge.
Farage took to social media after the sentencing, stating: “We now live in a country where you can assault a Member of Parliament and not go to prison.”
The court heard that Bowen’s actions left Farage feeling humiliated and concerned for his safety. In a statement, Farage said: “I was deeply thoughtful for some time afterwards that next time it may not be a milkshake.”
Bowen reportedly told police she disagreed with Farage’s political views and did not regret her actions. Deputy senior district judge Tan Ikram described the attack as an “unprovoked, targeted assault” and warned of a “dangerous trend” in attacks on politicians, referencing the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess in recent years.
The judge emphasized the severity of the incident, stating: “This was not just an attack on him but on our parliamentary democracy.”
This is not the first time Farage has been the target of such attacks. In August, another individual received a suspended sentence for throwing a coffee cup at him during a campaign in Barnsley. Farage has also been a victim of similar incidents in Newcastle and elsewhere.
The term “milkshaking”, referring to public figures being doused with milkshakes, entered the Collins Dictionary in 2019 following several high-profile cases.
Bowen’s defence team attributed her actions to mental health challenges, describing them as a “naive, stupid reaction” amid personal distress. Her lawyer, Caroline Liggins, said Bowen has faced threats since the incident and is eager to move forward.
Farage went on to win the Clacton constituency with an 8,405-vote majority in July, marking his eighth attempt at securing a seat in the House of Commons.
The court’s ruling highlights growing concerns about the safety of politicians engaging directly with the public. The attack, carried out in the full view of cameras, underscores what the judge called a “clear risk” to public figures.
