Exclusive:
Craig Evans shot to fame in 2001 when he threw an egg at ‘two Jags’ ex-Deputy PM John Prescott, and was punched in the face for his troubles
The man who had a scuffle with John Prescott in the infamous ‘Prescott punch’ incident has paid tribute to the late politician.
Craig Evans was the man who threw an egg at the 86-year-old Labour man in 2001 during a protest over farming issues.
After tracking him down at his home, Craig Evans, 53, a dad of two told the Mirror: “A friend called me this morning to say he died, he had Alzheimers I believe, you wouldn’t wish that on anyone, my thoughts are with his family. The guy has died.
He added: “Alzheimer’s is a terrible thing… my grandad died of Alzheimers and you wouldn’t wish that on anyone. It robs the person and it robs the family of the person.”
Over the years Craig has been asked to appear on TV shows to speak about the incident, which hit headlines across the UK, but has always turned down the opportunities.
Asked for his thoughts on it now he said: “It’s too long ago, it is what it is it happened at the time.
“I’m well known [for it]”.
Many of the residents in the area know Craig as the man who had a punch up with John Prescott.
Asked if he regrets the incident all these years on he said: “I don’t regret it I still believe now what I did back then.”
Former deputy prime minister Mr Prescott died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s, his family announced early this morning.
His family said he had “spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment”. The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died “peacefully” and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said.
Lord Prescott was a key figure of Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, seen by many as custodian of the party’s traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership. Sir Tony said he is “devastated” to learn of his former colleague’s passing.
Lord Prescott was ennobled in 2010 and introduced to the upper chamber as Baron Prescott of Kingston upon Hull having served for four decades as an MP for the city.
In a statement released after his death, his wife Pauline and sons Johnathan and David said that representing the people of Hull had been “his greatest honour”.