A woman who threw black paint over her sister-in-law's wedding dress has spoken out for the first time, admitting she feels ashamed and revealing her greatest fear after the attack.
The Attack at Oakwood House
Antonia Eastwood, 49, stunned guests at Oakwood House Register Office in Maidstone, Kent, in May 2024 when she doused Gemma Monk, 35, in black paint. The incident turned the bride's special day into a nightmare, but Gemma bravely continued with the ceremony after changing outfits, marrying childhood sweetheart Kevin Monk.
Eastwood's Regret and Fear
Speaking after receiving a 10-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, Eastwood confessed to the Daily Mail: "I feel ashamed of myself. It's not me. I've never been in trouble with the police before. Ever." She revealed her greatest fear: "I had a full-blown panic attack on the day I was sentenced. I was petrified I'd go to prison. It has all taken its toll."
The Feud's Origins
The bitter rivalry began at Eastwood's own wedding in 2023, when Gemma's brother Ashley claimed Eastwood "had her foot in the aisle" as Gemma walked past. This led to the couple not being invited to Gemma's wedding. Eastwood was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court for two counts of criminal damage, with repairs and loss of revenue at the venue totaling at least £5,000.
Victim's Impact
Gemma's victim impact statement described how the attack has haunted her: "To have paint thrown over me by my brother's wife changed my outlook on life... I have lost all my dignity and good habits in life. I have lost who I used to be." She added that what was meant to be the "most special day of my life" became the "worst memory" for her and her family.
Prosecutor Pietro Matarazzo told the court: "Her wedding dress turned black. It was splattered with paint, as were her eyes, face, and skin." Despite the trauma, Gemma carried on with her vows, supported by her children and family.
