Mike Amesbury, the former Labour MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has arrived at Chester Crown Court in handcuffs to appeal his 10-week prison sentence. Amesbury, 55, was convicted of sucker-punching constituent Paul Fellows, 45, in a street altercation last October. The assault, captured on video, has ignited a political and legal storm, with calls for his resignation and a by-election intensifying.
BREAKING... Mike Amesbury: Former MP Walks Free After Winning Appeal Against Jail Sentence
On the night of October 26, 2023, Amesbury and Fellow’s disagreement turned violent outside a taxi rank in Frodsham, Cheshire. At approximately 2 AM, a heated argument escalated when Amesbury, filmed striking Fellow’s head, knocked him to the ground.
The footage shows Amesbury continuing to assault Fellows, delivering at least five more punches while taunting him: "You won’t threaten your MP again, will you, you f****** soft lad?"
This shocking footage has brought national attention to the incident and has led to widespread condemnation.
Legal Consequences:
Amesbury pleaded guilty to assaulting Paul Fellows earlier this year. In January, he was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison and a £280 fine for the attack. However, in a move that shocked many, Amesbury appealed the sentence, leading to his appearance in court this week. His legal team has filed an appeal against both the sentence and conviction, but as of now, Amesbury remains at risk of serving time at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool.
While the court has refused his application for bail pending the appeal, the outcome of the hearing could significantly affect his future—both legally and politically.
Amesbury, who was suspended by the Labour Party after his arrest last year, now sits as an Independent MP for Runcorn and Helsby. However, the scandal surrounding his assault has not only damaged his personal reputation but also raised serious questions about his ability to represent his constituents effectively.
As the appeal hearing continues, political figures from all sides of the spectrum are demanding Amesbury’s resignation. Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, voiced her concern, stating, “I want to see him either obviously resign or face recall, so we can have a new MP in place."
A petition calling for a by-election has gained traction, with calls for constituents to hold Amesbury accountable. Labour, in particular, has urged his resignation, asserting that the people of Runcorn and Helsby “deserve better.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, describing the footage as "shocking" and reaffirming the Labour Party’s swift decision to suspend Amesbury. Starmer’s remarks highlight the importance of maintaining the integrity of public office, especially for someone entrusted with representing citizens in Parliament.
The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the conduct expected from elected officials. Political analysts are keenly watching whether this scandal will affect upcoming local elections, particularly given the potential for the Conservative and Reform UK parties to capitalize on Labour's loss of credibility in the area.
The outcome of Amesbury’s appeal remains uncertain, and the case could have lasting ramifications for his career. If the appeal is unsuccessful, he may be forced to serve time behind bars and further damage his already tarnished public image. Furthermore, if a by-election is called and Amesbury fails to resign, it could signal a shift in the political landscape of Runcorn and Helsby.
The final decision will not only determine his legal fate but also his political future and the broader impact on his constituents, who are left to grapple with the fallout from their MP’s actions.
As Mike Amesbury continues his legal battle, the political pressure on him mounts. The assault on Paul Fellows, combined with the subsequent fallout, has made Amesbury a divisive figure in Cheshire politics. Whether he will succeed in appealing his sentence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the repercussions of his actions will be felt far beyond the courtroom.
