Man avoids jail after throwing cement at Nigel Farage during General Election campaign
Josh Greally, 28, from Derbyshire, was arrested after Nigel Farage was targeted on Reform UK's General Election battle bus in Barnsley.
A man has been given a suspended prison sentence after throwing a coffee cup at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on his battle bus during the General Election campaign.
Josh Greally, 28, from Derbyshire, was sentenced at Barnsley Magistrates' Court to six weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay £85 court costs and a surcharge of £154.
Greally had admitted using threatening, abusive, insulting words and behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.
He threw the objects from a fenced-off construction site as the Reform UK General Election battle bus was parked in the town centre. Mr Farage was on the top deck of the bus at the time and had been speaking to supporters.
Neither the contents of the cup nor the object hit Mr Farage, but Reform's leader said at the time that the incident was "pretty nasty".
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Don't miss...
Every ‘painful’ Labour tax rise as UK households lose up to £13,925 [REVEALED]
Ryanair boss demands new rule at airports that loads of tourists will hate [REPORT]
Putin humiliated as huge attack on Ukraine backfires, killing over 1,200 troops [LATEST]
District Judge James Gould said Greally's target had been a politician campaigning "in our democratic country".
He told the defendant: "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."
In mitigation, the court heard Greally, who has no previous convictions, had attended protests before but this seemed to be the first time he "stepped over the line".
Greally, of Damsbrook Drive, Clowne, wore a black face mask throughout the hearing
