Man admits throwing objects at Nigel Farage

A man in a red jacket holding a cupImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

Josh Greally threw items, believed to be coffee cups, towards a bus that Nigel Farage was travelling on

  • Published

A man who threw objects towards Nigel Farage while he was campaigning in Barnsley has admitted using threatening behaviour.

Josh Greally, 28, from Chesterfield, was filmed throwing items while Reform UK leader Mr Farage was on an open-top bus in the town centre on 11 June.

At Barnsley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, Greally admitted using threatening, abusive, insulting words and behaviour with intent to cause fear.

He will be sentenced on 28 August.

Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

The incident was caught on camera during Nigel Farage's campaign visit to Barnsley

Mr Farage shielded his face while the items - believed to be coffee cups - hit the double-decker.

They "made a bang on the side of the bus" after Greally threw them from a building site next to the vehicle, the court heard.

Judge Tim Spruce asked the prosecution if there was a concern the incident was a "targeting of a politician" during an election period.

Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

Greally left court wearing a cap and face mask

Officers arrested Greally quickly, with no complaint being made to police, the judge was told.

A pre-sentence report was requested by Judge Spruce and Greally was released on unconditional bail.

The early guilty plea would "hold you in good stead" but all sentencing options remained open, the judge told Greally, who wore a black face mask during the hearing.

"The matter remains serious of course. To your credit you are a young man who has never been in trouble before," Judge Spruce added.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, externalX (formerly Twitter), external, and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk, external.

Related Topics