An OnlyFans model, Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, has been sentenced to 13 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, after admitting to attacking Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during the general election campaign. Bowen pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage after throwing a milkshake at Farage outside a pub in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on June 4.
At the time, Farage was campaigning at the Moon and Starfish pub on the seafront. The attack occurred just as he was engaging with voters, and Bowen admitted that she did not agree with his political views. She also caused £17.50 worth of damage to the jacket of Farage’s security officer, James Woolfenden.
During her police interview, Bowen stated that she acted impulsively after hearing Farage would be at the pub. Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram, who sentenced Bowen, called the attack an “unprovoked, targeted assault” on a sitting Member of Parliament.
Bowen was sentenced to 13 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 12 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £150 compensation to Farage, £17.50 for the criminal damage, £154 victim surcharge, and £450 in costs.
After Bowen’s attack, Farage expressed concerns about the impact such incidents have on public engagement and political discourse. “This incident caused me concern as I have only been going about my job,” he said in his witness statement.
In recent years, the act of throwing milkshakes at public figures, known as “milkshaking,” has become a form of protest. Previous instances have included similar attacks on Farage in other locations. Police have emphasized the importance of protecting democracy and ensuring that elected officials can engage with the public without fear of violence or intimidation.
Det Ch Insp Rob Huddleston from Essex Police commented: “Disagreeing with someone’s political views is not an excuse to use violence or intimidation.”
