Man jailed over Murdoch foam pie

The protester who threw a foam pie at media tycoon Rupert Murdoch was jailed for six weeks today.

The protester who threw a foam pie at media tycoon Rupert Murdoch was jailed for six weeks today.

Jonathan May-Bowles (26), who uses the moniker Jonnie Marbles, must also pay a £250 (€285) fine, a London judge ruled today.

May-Bowles pleaded guilty last week to assaulting the 80-year-old as Mr Murdoch gave evidence to the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee about the phone-hacking scandal. He disrupted proceedings by aiming a paper plate of shaving foam at Mr Murdoch.

Mr Murdoch’s wife, Wendi Deng, leapt to his defence, first pushing the protester away and then throwing the plate at him as he was led off by police.

READ MORE

The incient came towards the end of the News Corp chief's appearance alongside his son James before MPs in the Wilson room in Portcullis House on July 19th.

May-Bowles, of Edinburgh Gardens, Windsor, Berkshire, admitted assault and causing harassment, alarm or distress when he appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London last Friday.

Leaving court the part-time stand-up comic quoted the same words that Mr Murdoch used in his evidence to MPs, telling reporters: “I would just like to say this has been the most humble day of my life.”

The case was then adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

PA