John Prescott: Farmer punched in 2001 has 'no regrets'

PA Media

The farmer who was punched by former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said he had "no regrets" about throwing the egg that sparked the brawl.

Craig Evans, then 29, targeted Lord Prescott who had just got off his campaign bus to speak at a Labour Party general election rally in Wales in May 2001.

Ex-boxer Lord Prescott instinctively turned and punched the farming protester, which later earned him the nickname "Two Jabs".

While unrepentant about the infamous incident, Mr Evans, who lives on a farm in Denbighshire, expressed his condolences about Lord Prescott's death, saying "it's sad for his family and the people around him".

When asked about the fight on Thursday, Mr Evans, a 53-year-old father-of-two, said he had "no regrets".

He said he still gets invited on TV shows to talk about the event, but always declines.

"It was a long time ago," he said.

"It's what I'm known locally for... I duck it all the time. I've ducked it for years. A friend phoned up just to say he had died... I would not wish that on anyone."

John Prescott, born in Prestatyn, died aged 86 following his longstanding battle with Alzheimer's.

Despite his family leaving Wales when he was four, he remained proud of his roots and always identified as Welsh.

After the scuffle, Mr Evans was taken away in handcuffs by police but neither he nor Lord Prescott were charged with any offence.

Following the infamous punch-up, Labour went on to win the general election the next month.