A Derbyshire man has been handed a suspended sentence for throwing objects at Nigel Farage during the general election campaign.
Joshua Greally, 28, of Damsbrook Drive, Clowne, Derbyshire, admitted an offence of using threatening behaviour with intent to cause fear when he appeared at Barnsley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 26th June 2024.
This is an offence under section 4 of the Public Order Act 1986. The maximum penalty on summary conviction is 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine. I have previously written a guide to the offence of using threatening behaviour.
Greally appeared at the same court for sentencing on Wednesday, 28th August 2024.
The court heard that the 28-year-old attended a Reform UK campaign event in Barnsley town centre on Tuesday, 11th June 2024.
Nigel Farage, the recently elected MP for Clacton and leader of Reform UK, was speaking from the top deck of an open-topped double decker bus on Eldon Street.
Greally was seen to reach into a litter bin and remove an object, later identified as an empty coffee cup, which he threw at Mr Farage. He then launched a second unidentified object towards the politician, before police moved in and arrested him.
Neither of the objects hit Mr Farage, who was filmed covering his face and ducking down for cover. The objects could be heard striking the side of the bus.
Mr Farage did not complain to the police, so Greally's prosecution was evidence led.
Greally had no previous convictions prior to the incident.
District Judge James Gould, sentencing, said: "Politicians know they will face robust opposition, but that must never spill over into violence or intimidation. That is not the pursuit of free speech, it is an attempt to silence voices of opposition."
DJ Gould noted that Greally's actions were planned with him taking the 40 mile journey from Clowne to Barnsley to take part in the demonstration. The Judge was of the opinion that Greally's offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
Greally was sentenced to 6 weeks' custody suspended for 12 months, with the requirement that he completes 120 hours' unpaid work and up to 20 days' rehabilitation activity.
He was also ordered to pay £154 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
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