Convicted pie-throwing protester mimics Murdoch
The man who launched a foam pie attack in Parliament on Rupert Murdoch mimics the media magnate after he leaves court with an assault conviction.
Jonathan May-Bowles admitted assault and causing harassment, alarm or distress when he appeared before Westminster magistrates.
The News Corporation boss, Rupert Murdoch was giving evidence to MPs over the phone-hacking scandal when 26-year-old May-Bowles, otherwise known as comedian Jonnie Marbles, disrupted proceedings by covering him in shaving foam.
As he emerged from court, May-Bowles mimicked Murdoch saying: “I’d just like to say this is the most humble day of my life.”
Prosecutor Rav Chodha said that, on the day of the pie attack, May-Bowles made his way through the Wilson room in Portcullis House to attack Mr Murdoch, and used threatening, abusive or insulting words and behaviour.
I’d just like to say this is the most humble day of my life. Jonathan May-Bowles
The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday 2 August for pre-sentencing reports. Defence lawyer, Raj Chada, asked for the sentencing date to be moved, as May-Bowles was due to go on a family holiday with his young son.
But the District Judge, Daphne Wickham, was unmoved. She said: “He is on bail for a serious offence which carries a risk of imprisonment. It’s due process. He should have thought about this on 19 July when he committed these offences.”
Judge Wickham said that a warrant would be issued for May-Bowles’ arrest if he did not appear for sentencing.
(Warning: this video contains flash photography)
Mr Murdoch’s wife, Wendi Deng, responded to the attack on her husband by springing from her seat and planting an open palm slap on May-Bowles’ head. She also attempted to force the paper plate that carried the foam back into the attacker’s face. Ms Deng’s actions have been widely hailed and even May-Bowles said he had respect for the media mogul’s wife for how she reacted.
May-Bowles was apprehended by police after his attack on the News Corp boss. The hearing was suspended for 10 minutes, giving Mr Murdoch the chance to clean up.
Today’s hearing lasted only 15 minutes. May-Bowles spoke only to confirm his name and address and to plead guilty. He was supported in court by his father and some friends. The prosecutor added that Rupert Murdoch did not support the assault charge.
The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has decided that it will write again to Mr Murdoch’s son, James, asking for more information over the hacking scandal.
