A protester who egged the leader of the Labour Party has been jailed for 28 days.

John Murphy, 31, of Whetstone, assaulted Jeremy Corbyn inside a Muslim community centre in Finsbury Park on March 3.

Mr Corbyn had attended the centre with his wife and other Labour party members. When Murphy attacked Mr Corbyn he shouted ‘respect the vote’ – believed to be a reference to the EU referendum result.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (Monday) Murphy pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating. He was sentenced on the same day to 28 days in jail and made to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

Kevin Christie, District Crown Prosecutor at CPS London North, said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a politician carrying out official duties.

“Although Mr Corbyn was not seriously hurt, Murphy had come with a number of eggs that he could have used had he not been detained quickly. The prosecution case included CCTV footage of the assault and a number of witnesses, which meant Murphy had little choice but to plead guilty.

“Assaults on public servants affect the very fabric of our democratic society and the CPS will continue to ensure that we support all victims of crime. This case clearly sends out a message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and perpetrators will correctly be brought before the courts.”

In a victim impact statement read out in court Mr Corbyn said: “Whilst I am in a very public role, it is often very painful to see my wife, my sons and my wider family suffer deep stress because of my role and because of this attack upon me.

“It impacts on our lives, but I am determined that I will carry on in my public role and ensure that I am never cut off from the people I represent.”