Student admits throwing blue paint at Nick Clegg

Former Liberal Democrat activist Stuart Rodger has admitted throwing an egg filled with blue paint
at the Deputy Prime minister last August at a Liberal Democrat meeting in Glasgow.

Mr Rodger told journalists after the event, “I stand by what happened that evening. He deserved it.”

The 23-year-old threw the egg which hit a pillar causing paint to splatter Nick Clegg's suit and face.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie was also hit.

The Deputy PM dismissed the incident saying “These things happen. It’s not a big deal.”

The students lawyer, Claire Ryan, told the court that Rodgers was “particularly upset” with the coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

She added: "He was really against the coalition, but that does not give him the right to offend. He
was protesting on that day, but he accepts that he crossed the line."

Rodgers was fined £200 at Glasgow’s sheriff court after admitting to breach of the peace.

Sheriff Brian Adair told The Student: "This country prides itself in free speech and protesting within
limits, but your actions were criminal."