A Newcastle man who assaulted Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has been convicted and sentenced to a high level community order.
Paul Crowther, 32, of Hallow Drive, Throckley threw a banana and salted caramel milkshake over Mr Farage as he was campaigning on the city's Blackett Street on 20th May 2019.
Given Mr Farage's massive media following, footage of the incident was caught on film and went viral:
Crowther was arrested immediately after the incident. Seemingly unrepentant, he told journalists at the time: "It's a right of protest against people like him.
"The bile and the racism he spouts out in this country is far more damaging than a bit of milkshake to his front."
Crowther, who was dismissed from his job at Sky as a result of the assault, added: "I was quite looking forward to (the milkshake) but I think it went on a better purpose."
Mr Farage suffered no physical injuries, but his suit was covered in milkshake and a microphone was damaged.
Crowther arrived at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court this morning wheeling his suitcase behind him, so clearly prepared for an immediate custodial sentence.
Appearing before District Judge Bernard Begley, he pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage.
Brian Hegarty, mitigating for Crowther, began by asking the Judge to make an order prohibiting disclosure of his address in open court. Judge Begley refused that application.
James Long, prosecuting, outlined the facts of the case - that Mr Farage was campaigning beside Grey's Monument when he walked towards Crowther, who thrust the milkshake in his direction.
Mr Long 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."
He said it was clear from a Facebook posting before the incident that Crowther intended to throw milkshake on the politician.
In a victim impact statement Mr Farage said that the milkshake had splashed him over the face, leaving him embarrassed and putting an end to his campaigning for the day.
Mr Farage added: "I am concerned because of the behaviour of individuals like this, the normal democratic process cannot continue in a lawful and peaceful manner."
Despite his initial bravado Mr Hegarty told the court that his client, who has received threats and been forced to move home, now regretted his actions.
"The defendant has had cause to reflect and, having done so, he would say he wished he would not have acted as he did", Mr Hegarty said.
Mr Hegarty added that there was a long history of protesters throwing food stuffs at politicians and the incident had not been politically motivated. To the Judge's clear disapproval, Mr Hegarty went on to reference the comments and actions of Brexit supporters.
Sentencing him to a 12 month community order with 150 hour unpaid work requirement, Judge Begley branded Crowther's crime "an act of crass stupidity".
Crowther was also ordered to pay £350 in compensation, £85 towards prosecution costs and £85 victim surcharge.
Chris Atkinson, Head of the Magistrates' Court Unit for CPS North East, said: "In an open democracy, people should be free to conduct legitimate political campaigns without fear of physical assault.
"While members of the public have the democratic right to engage in peaceful protest, it is wholly appropriate to bring charges in any case where such protests cross the line into criminal behaviour.
"In this case, the significant volume of video material has enabled the CPS to build a very robust case against Paul Crowther and we would hope that this acts as a deterrent to others considering any criminal form of political protest."
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