A protester who threw a milkshake at Nigel Farage in an act of ‘crass stupidity’ was fined today for the ‘politically motivated’ attack.

Paul Crowther, 32, launched the £5.25 Five Guys banana and salted caramel milkshake over the ex-Ukip leader while he was campaigning for the Brexit Party in Newcastle upon Tyne on May 20.

Married Mr Crowther, who has since lost his job at Sky following the incident, said at the time he didn’t regret his actions and that 'the bile and racism' spouted by Mr Farage was far worse than having milkshake poured on him.

He admitted assault and criminal damage to a £239 lapel microphone on Mr Farage’s suit at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

View photos Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage gestures after being hit with a milkshake while arriving for a Brexit Party campaign event in Newcastle, Britain, May 20, 2019. REUTERS/Scott Heppell More

View photos Brexit Party leader Nigel gestures after being hit with a milkshake while arriving for a Brexit Party campaign event in Newcastle, Britain, May 20, 2019. REUTERS/Scott Heppell More

View photos Paul Crowther is ushered away as he leaves North Tyneside Magistrates' Court. More

District Judge Bernard Begley ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

And after the prosecution suggested Crowther should pay compensation to have the suit cleaned, the judge ordered him to pay Mr Farage £350 compensation.

James Long, prosecuting, said: 'I suppose for the split second the attack took place, Mr Farage would not know whether it was a harmless liquid or something, in this day and age, far more sinister.'

The incident provoked a national debate about treatment of politicians in public, which included celebs like Ricky Gervais having their say.

Mr Long said it was clear from a Facebook posting before the incident that Crowther intended to throw milkshake on the politician.

View photos Mr Crowther is arrested in Newcastle on May 20th after the milkshake incident. (PA) More

A friend replied saying: 'I hope you return to the office sans milkshake.'

He later told police when he was interviewed that it was a 'moment of madness', 'a loss of control' and he watched himself do it.

Mr Farage gave a statement to the police, saying: 'Without warning this male has thrown a liquid substance directly at me.'

He said it splashed all over him and in his face, leaving him embarrassed as it happened in full view of the public and media and put an end to his campaigning in Newcastle.

In a victim statement, the politician added: 'I am concerned because of the behaviour of individuals like this, the normal democratic process cannot continue in a lawful and peaceful manner.'

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