Nigel Farage has decried the sentencing of Victoria Thomas Bowen, an OnlyFans model, as a case of “two-tier justice” after she avoided prison for throwing a banana milkshake over the Reform UK leader during his general election campaign.
Bowen, 25, received a 13-week suspended sentence for the June 4 incident in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, where she hurled a McDonald’s milkshake at Mr Farage as he emerged from the Moon and Starfish Wetherspoon pub. The milkshake soaked his clothing and stained the jacket of his security officer.
After the sentencing, Mr Farage took to social media to express his frustration:
“We now live in a country where you can assault a Member of Parliament and not go to prison. The latest example of two-tier justice.”
This comment sparked wider discussion about sentencing disparities, echoing concerns voiced during the summer riots when offenders were jailed for seemingly lesser infractions.
Court proceedings
Bowen initially denied assault and criminal damage but pleaded guilty during her trial in October. At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram condemned her actions as “an attack on democracy” and handed down the suspended sentence. In addition, Bowen must complete 15 days of rehabilitation, 120 hours of unpaid work, and pay £150 in compensation to Mr Farage, £17.50 to his security officer, £154 as a victim surcharge, and £450 in costs.
The judge said the attack reflected a dangerous trend of hostility towards politicians, referencing the tragic murders of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
“This was an attack on a Parliamentary candidate campaigning for election. It was not just an attack on him; it was an attack on our Parliamentary democracy.”
Judge Ikram highlighted the increasing risks faced by politicians engaging with the public, noting that incidents like this deter people from standing for public office.
Mr Farage’s Reaction
In a statement read to the court, Mr Farage said he felt “humiliated” by the widely publicised attack.
“The next time it might not be a milkshake,” he warned, referencing heightened concerns over his safety during public engagements.
He argued that incidents like this have an adverse effect on democracy, discouraging open public debate and political participation.
Bowen’s defence
The court heard that Bowen had read online about Mr Farage’s visit to Clacton but missed his speech. After purchasing a milkshake from McDonald’s, she decided to throw it at him when she saw him leaving the pub.
Prosecutor Nishma Shah described the act as a “premeditated, targeted attack,” highlighting that Bowen had shouted obscenities during the incident.
In her police interview, Bowen showed no remorse, dismissing the damage to Mr Farage’s clothes by saying he could afford it. She also stated she “didn’t regret her actions.”
Her lawyer, Zarif Khan, described the act as a “naive, stupid reaction” from a young woman dealing with personal distress and mental health struggles, including ADHD. However, no medical evidence was provided to support these claims.
Judicial considerations
Judge Ikram said he carefully deliberated before suspending the sentence. He noted Bowen’s low risk of reoffending, the likelihood of successful rehabilitation, and the overcrowded state of UK prisons.
Despite her guilty plea and expressions of understanding through her lawyer, the judge criticised her lack of remorse at the time of the attack.
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Life after the incident
The court was told Bowen earns £2,500 a month from her OnlyFans platform but is struggling with significant debt. Since the incident, she has faced online harassment, including death and rape threats, which have worsened her mental health.
Her legal representative, Caroline Liggins, said:
“Victoria understands the gravity of her impulsive actions. She hopes this chapter can be closed and that she can move forward with her life.”
Public and political reactions
The sentencing has reignited debate about the treatment of politically motivated offences. Critics argue that leniency in such cases undermines public trust in the justice system and sets a concerning precedent.
Mr Farage’s remarks about “two-tier justice” have resonated with some, particularly in the context of heightened scrutiny over how the legal system handles high-profile cases.
The case underscores the dangers faced by public figures in today’s political climate and raises questions about how best to safeguard democracy while addressing criminal behaviour proportionately.
