Suspended UK Labour lawmaker jailed for 10 weeks after assault in Cheshire

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – Suspended UK Labour member of parliament (MP) Mike Amesbury has been sentenced to 10 weeks in jail after admitting to assaulting a man in his Cheshire constituency, local media reported Monday.

The 55-year-old former MP, who represents Runcorn and Helsby, pleaded guilty to punching 45-year-old Paul Fellows to the ground during a confrontation in Frodsham on Oct. 26.

The incident was captured on video, leading to swift public and legal repercussions for Amesbury. As a result of the assault, he had the Labour whip removed and is now serving a prison sentence as an independent MP.

At Chester Magistrates' Court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram highlighted that Amesbury’s actions appeared to stem from a loss of emotional control.

"I have to say that I have seen a single punch to the head cause fatal injuries," Ikram noted. "While the injuries in this case were limited, I consider your actions more culpable because you continued to punch Mr. Fellows when he was on the ground and continued to shout at him. You may have continued the attack had a bystander not intervened."

The court also highlighted the severity of the incident, with the magistrate stating that Amesbury’s behavior went beyond the act of the initial assault and included a ranting verbal attack while his victim was incapacitated.

Amesbury was immediately taken into custody following the sentencing, with an application for bail pending appeal being refused.

The magistrate concluded by noting that as a public figure, Amesbury’s conduct should have been a role model for others.

In response to the conviction, a Labour Party spokesperson expressed the party’s disapproval.

"The Labour Party took swift action following Mike Amesbury's completely unacceptable actions and he is no longer a Labour MP or a member of the Labour Party. It is right that Mr. Amesbury pleaded guilty and has now been sentenced."

Following the conviction, voters in Amesbury's constituency now have the option of triggering a recall petition.

If more than 10% of constituents sign the petition, a by-election will be held, potentially removing Amesbury from his seat as an independent MP.

A recall petition could also be initiated if the House of Commons decides to suspend Amesbury for 10 sitting days or more.