Rupert Murdoch pie protester jailed

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

Jonathan May-Bowles, 26, pleaded guilty last week to assaulting the 80-year-old media tycoon as he gave evidence to the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee about the phone hacking scandal.

May-Bowles, also known by his comedy stage name "Jonnie Marbles", disrupted proceedings by launching a paper plate of shaving foam at Mr Murdoch.

Passing sentence at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London, district judge Daphne Wickham said May-Bowles would serve three weeks in prison.

She also ordered him to pay a £15 victim surcharge and £250 costs.

The judge condemned his actions in interrupting the evidence Mr Murdoch was giving to the committee, which she said was "of huge importance" to many people.

"This is a parliamentary process, which as you know conducts itself with dignity and in a civilised fashion," she said.

"Everybody else in the room expected that, with one exception - you.

"You attended those proceedings with only one intention, to disrupt them."

The judge said she took into account the fear of injury felt by Mr Murdoch, who could not have known what was in the foam pie.

Wearing a checked lumberjack shirt and black jeans, May-Bowles stood in the dock without reacting as sentence was passed.

PA