Man who threw milkshake at Farage admits assault and criminal damage

A man who threw a milkshake over Nigel Farage during a city centre walkabout has admitted common assault and criminal damage.

The Brexit Party leader’s suit was left covered with the banana and salted caramel Five Guys sticky drink during an event in Newcastle ahead of last month’s European elections.

Paul Crowther, who was arrested at the scene after being filmed dousing Mr Farage with the £5.25 milkshake, told journalists the act was “a right of protest against people like him”.

He said of Mr Farage: “The bile and the racism he spouts out in this country is far more damaging than a bit of milkshake to his front.”

The 32-year-old was charged by Northumbria Police with common assault and criminal damage.

The criminal damage charge relates to a microphone which was damaged during the incident on May 20, the force said.

A Gofundme page entitled “Get Paul Crowther his milkshake money back” raised £1,705.

Crowther appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning, where he admitted the charges.

The hearing is ongoing.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Mr Farage was heard telling a member of security staff that he “could have spotted that a mile off”.

Later that day, he said: “I won’t even acknowledge the low-grade behaviour that I was subjected to this morning, I won’t dignify it, I will ignore it.

“Perhaps keep buying new clothes and carry on.”