Rupert Murdoch foam pie attack: Protester admits charge

A protester has admitted throwing a shaving foam pie at Rupert Murdoch as he gave evidence to a committee of MPs.

The News Corporation chairman was targeted as he answered questions about the phone-hacking scandal last week.

His wife tackled Jonathan May-Bowles who rushed from the public gallery.

May-Bowles, 26, of Edinburgh Gardens, Windsor, Berkshire, admitted assault and causing harassment, alarm or distress, when he appeared before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court.

May-Bowles, who calls himself Jonnie Marbles, was charged under the Public Order Act.

Slap on head

Two hours into the hearing on 20 July, May-Bowles rushed forward from the public gallery and was tackled by a group of people.

Mr Murdoch's wife Wendi Deng, who sat behind him during the session, leapt up to defend her 80-year-old husband and appeared to slap May-Bowles on his head.

The shaving foam hit Mr Murdoch's suit jacket and he later resumed the session in his shirt and tie.

Seconds later, Conservative MP John Whittingdale, who chairs the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee and was overseeing proceedings, suspended the session.

-BBC