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A man has admitted throwing a milkshake at Nigel Farage in a “politically motivated attack” in Newcastle city centre but denied being a “radical Remainer”.



Paul Crowther, 32, of Hallow Drive, Throckley , pleaded guilty to common assault and criminal damage at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court.



On May 20, Crowther came across a Brexit Party campaign event on Blackett Street near Monument minutes after buying a £5.25 milkshake from Five Guys during his work break, the court heard.

(Image: (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images))





He then threw the drink at the politician, telling the Press Association immediately afterwards that he did so in protest at Mr Farage’s policies, accusing him of “espousing racist bile”, magistrates heard.



It led to chaotic scenes, with Mr Farage being hurried away by security personnel to a nearby car. He could be heard telling his protection the incident had been a “complete failure”.



The court heard a statement from Mr Farage who said the incident “caused me some embarrassment at being covered in front of members of the public and press and pictures being taken which would be on social media and media sites”.

The statement continued: “I wish to add that I’m concerned that because of this sort of behaviour the democratic process can not continue in a lawful and peaceful way.” The prosecution applied for compensation for Nigel Farage, plus compensation to replace a £239 microphone he was wearing and was broken and for the cost of getting his suit cleaned. Mr Crowther was arrested immediately at the scene and led away in handcuffs.

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The married step-father to a 14-year-old, who has no previous convictions, has since been sacked by his employer, Sky, the court heard.



Outlining the events, prosecutor James Long said “in the split second the attack took part, Mr Farage would not have known if it was a harmless liquid or, in this day and age, something far more sinister”.



Mr Long pointed to a Facebook post he made moments before the attack. He put on the social media site “when you are walking back to the office with a milkshake and you bump into a Brexit Party march” along with a picture of the drink and the campaign event in the distant background



The court heard, under interview, Crowther said he had “lost control”, suggesting it was a spur of the moment decision but Mr Long pointed out this clashes with the account given in the Facebook post.

(Image: Facebook / Paul Crowther)





He said it was a “politically motivated” attack, saying Crowther “disagreed with the views of Mr Farage and supporters and effectively is in support of Remaining”.



Defending Crowther, Brian Heggarty said it should not be classed as political violence because he didn’t intend to cause Nigel Farage harm or fear.



Crowther’s defence applied for a court order to be made to keep his address, Hallow Drive, Throckley, secret but the judge threw out the request.



The court heard how Crowther has received threats and arrived at court with security protection.



He said there was a “long history going back hundreds if not thousand of years of throwing food at politicians”, saying it is intended to cause

embarrassment in protest rather than cause harm. He said fish and eggs have been used in the past.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)





He pointed to violent incidents involving high profile Brexit-supporters, including Carl Benjamin’s comments about raping Labour MP Jess Phillips.



Mr Heggarty added: “As long as there have been demagogues there have been protestors.”





But district judge Bernard Begley was unimpressed, saying “I’m not bothered about anyone else” and warned the defence to stick to Crowther’s case.



Mr Heggarty said: “My client has been identified as a ‘radical Remainer’ by Nigel Farage on Twitter to his more than one million followers.

"He believes that the 2016 referendum result should be respected and that we should leave the EU but not in the way advocated by Nigel Farage.”



Crowther takes a “keen interest in politics” and followed the 2016 referendum campaign closely, Mr Heggarty said.





He said “much has been made of the price of the milkshake” and pointed out Crowther was planning the assault he would have bought a cheaper drink at a nearby outlet.



“Milkshaking” politicians in protest became one of the more bizarre features of the 2019 European Parliament election campaign.

"Tommy Robinson and Ukip candidate Carl Benjamin were also targeted.

Footage of the Nigel Farage incident went viral and the incident garnered international attention.



Sentencing Crowther, district judge Bernard Begley said: “Whatever your declared allegiances and opinions, this was a crass and stupid act motivated by your political views and a warped desire to gain attention and notoriety.

"The footage suggests you found it amusing.”



He added: “Liquid was thrown and you were the only one who knew what it contains. Thankfully it was nothing more nasty but he would not have known that.“



The judge told him he should have thought about the impact of his actions on his family before he did it.



Crowther was sentenced to a 12-month community order and told he must complete 150 hours of unpaid work.



He must also pay £350 in compensation to Mr Farage and pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/travellers-visiting-greece-urged-protect-16442052