Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
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.”
We're offering more ways for our communities to stay up to date with our work across Essex.
Our e-newsletter, Dispatch, delivers news, information, and advice from Essex Police.
Dispatch is a ‘one stop shop’ for local police news – direct from the source.
Sign up is completely free and you can unsubscribe at any time.