Man admits egging UKIP leader Nigel Farage
A man has admitted throwing an egg at UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage during a campaign visit.
Frederick Glenister, 33, pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.
Glenister, from Radford, Nottingham, egged Mr Farage as he arrived in the city centre to rally support in the East Midlands.
He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £200 costs.
Prosecutor Robert Carr said Mr Farage had been "shocked, but suffered no pain or discomfort".
A DVD of the assault on 1 May was shown to the court.
Defending Glenister, Louise Wright said the country had a "long tradition" for eggs being thrown at politicians and her client should have been dealt with by a way of a caution.
"This is a drama trial," added Miss Wright.
"It is here at a cost to the public when Mr Glenister should have received a caution".
Chairman of the bench Peter Dextor told Glenister that while he had no previous convictions, his behaviour was unacceptable and the assault was carried out for "gratuitous degradation".
Speaking outside court, Glenister said: "I don't feel any remorse but I don't take any pride in my actions.
"It's not something I would normally do or have done before or would do again."