Student admits assaulting Reform UK candidate

A student who attacked a Reform UK candidate during the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival "took exception to his political views", a judge has said.

Truro Crown Court heard how 20-year-old Owen Bradbury exchanged words with Steve Rubidge in June 2024 and kicked him once as he was handing our election leaflets.

Bradbury, of Tremenheere Avenue, Helston, admitted assaulting Rubidge, 51, and was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge.

Recorder Christopher Quinlan said it had been an impulsive act which Bradbury had immediately regretted, and he had made a mistake for which he now had a criminal conviction.

The recorder made no order for costs or compensation.

At the time of the incident, the deputy leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, said the Truro and Falmouth candidate had been the victim of a "nasty attack" which he said had left Rubridge shaken and with ligament injuries.

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