A man has received a suspended prison sentence for throwing objects at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during a campaign event.
Josh Greally, 28, was filmed on June 11 throwing items towards an open-top bus that Mr. Farage was traveling on in Barnsley. The incident occurred while Mr. Farage was campaigning for the general election. The court heard that Greally had traveled to Barnsley to participate in a protest against Mr. Farage.
On Wednesday at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court, Greally was handed a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. The footage showed Mr. Farage shielding his face as the items struck the side of the double-decker bus. The objects reportedly made a loud noise upon impact, and Greally, who picked up the items from a nearby construction site, was quickly arrested by officers at the scene.
District Judge James Gould highlighted the premeditated nature of the offense. The court was informed that Greally had previously pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, and insulting words and behavior with intent to cause fear. Despite having no prior criminal record and expressing remorse, Greally’s actions were deemed to have aggravated the offense due to the context of the political campaign.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Greally was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. He must also pay £85 in costs and a surcharge of £154. Judge Gould emphasized that while political discourse should allow for challenging politicians, it should not escalate to acts of violence or intimidation. Such behavior attempts to silence opposition rather than promote free speech.
