Suspended Labour MP Mike Amesbury has been sentenced to 10 weeks in jail after pleading guilty to assaulting a man in his Cheshire constituency. The 55-year-old independent MP, who represents Runcorn and Helsby, admitted to attacking Paul Fellows, 45, after CCTV footage surfaced showing the violent altercation.
Mike Amesbury Assault: What Happened?
The incident took place in Frodsham, Cheshire, in the early hours of October 26. Following the attack, Amesbury was suspended from the Labour Party, losing the party whip.
During sentencing at Chester Magistrates’ Court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram stated that Amesbury’s actions were fueled by anger and a loss of emotional control.
Court Ruling and Sentencing Details
- Amesbury punched Paul Fellows to the ground and continued attacking him.
- A bystander intervened, stopping the assault.
- The court ruled the attack as unprovoked drunken behavior.
- Amesbury was deemed unlikely to re-offend, but his immediate custodial sentence was necessary for punishment and deterrence.
- He was ordered to pay:
- £200 in compensation to the victim.
- £85 in court costs.
- A £154 surcharge.
Amesbury was denied bail pending appeal and was immediately taken into custody.
Political Fallout: Calls for a By-Election
Following his conviction, the Labour Party confirmed that Amesbury is no longer a member. A spokesperson stated:
“Local residents in Runcorn and Helsby deserve better, and we look forward to them getting the representation they deserve with a new Labour MP.”
Meanwhile, Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf has urged Amesbury to resign so a by-election can be held.
Could a Recall Petition Remove Amesbury?
Under UK law, a recall petition can be triggered if:
- An MP is sentenced to prison (even with a suspended sentence).
- The House of Commons suspends them for 10 or more sitting days.
For a by-election to take place, at least 10% of voters in Runcorn and Helsby must sign the recall petition.
Amesbury’s case is set for further appeal hearings later this week at the Crown Court.
