Clacton: Woman admits throwing drink over parliamentary candidate

A woman has pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage after throwing a drink over a parliamentary candidate in Clacton earlier this year.

Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, from Clacton, had initially denied the charges, but changed her plea at the start of the trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday 21 October.

The incident happened on Tuesday 4 June as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was leaving a pub in Clacton where he had been carrying out campaigning activity.

As Mr Farage was leaving the premises Thomas Bowen emerged from the crowd and threw the milkshake she was holding at the 60-year-old victim, hitting him.

The defendant left the area but was quickly arrested in the town centre by Essex Police officers.

In interview Thomas Bowen told officers she threw the drink over Mr Farage because she did not agree with his political views.

The case was adjourned and Thomas Owen will be sentenced on Monday 16 December.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said:

“It is vital that democracy is allowed to take place and we police without fear or favour.
"Disagreeing with someone’s political views is not an excuse to use violence or intimidation.
"Elected officials and people standing for elected office, like any member of the public, must be allowed to go about their business without fear for their safety.”

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