A bride has described the moment her sister-in-law doused her in black paint just minutes before she was due to walk down the aisle. Gemma Monk, 35, was the victim of a 'revenge attack' by Antonia Eastwood, 49, who is married to Gemma's older brother, Ashley.
The incident took place at Oakwood House Register Office in Maidstone, Kent, on May 24, 2024. Gemma told ITV's Good Morning Britain that she 'knew instantly who it was' when she heard her name called and turned to be splashed with the substance. She fought back tears as she recalled the ordeal, saying she had no idea why Eastwood carried out the attack, suggesting it may have been sparked by 'jealousy'.
Despite the attack, Gemma and her husband Ken were later married after a replacement dress was found. Eastwood has since been sentenced for two counts of criminal damage, receiving a 10-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, 160 hours' unpaid work, a 10-year restraining order, and ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation.
Gemma insisted that allegations Eastwood made against her were false, including claims that Gemma had called Eastwood a name and tripped her at Eastwood's wedding. 'I don't know why anybody would think of something so disgusting,' Gemma said. 'I wouldn't do that to my worst nightmare.'
Husband Ken said he was 'devastated and more concerned for Gemma' when he discovered what had happened. Eastwood has previously described 'feeling ashamed' of her actions, telling the Mail she had a panic attack on the day of sentencing.
