UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury had his 10-week prison sentence suspended following an appeal after being convicted of punching a man.
The 10-week jail sentence of the ex-Labour MP was deferred for two years after a successful appeal at Chester Crown Court.
Why was MP Mike Amesbury’s jail sentence suspended?
The MP for Runcorn and Helsby, Amesbury, was imprisoned earlier this week after drunkenly attacking a constituent in the street during an argument.
Judge Steven Everett of Chester, alongside two magistrates, sentenced Amesbury to 10 weeks in prison, but the sentence was postponed for two years.
The court also instructed him to perform 200 hours of unpaid labor, undergo a 120-day alcohol monitoring program, enroll in anger management therapy, and complete 20 days of rehabilitation sessions.
During a sentence appeal, it was stated that Amesbury had initially said a man approached him, “shouting and yelling” about national and local problems, like a nearby swing bridge and immigration.
Amesbury admitted to punching Paul Fellows, 45, after a clash on the streets of Frodsham, Cheshire, during the early hours of 26 October.
The video proof presented in court revealed Amesbury hitting Fellows in the head, knocking him to the ground, and then following him onto the road to deliver at least five more punches.
In the footage, he was heard saying, “You won’t threaten your MP again, you pathetic man.”
Amesbury stated in a statement to police,
“I thought I was about to be physically assaulted by this male. I was terrified and felt vulnerable and cornered by the male and others in the group.”
What did the judge say about Amesbury’s sentence?
In his ruling, the judge described the sentencing decision as “a very fine line,” stating,
“We came to the conclusion that, without in any way criticizing the original sentence of 10 weeks, because of the important change in the last three to four days, you are a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Therefore, we will suspend the sentence for two years.”
The judge stated, “What he said to police doesn’t seem to fit in with the CCTV in pretty well any respect,” adding Amesbury had told police a “pack of lies”.
Who decided on Amesbury’s 10-week sentence?
Mike Amesbury had been imprisoned at Chester Magistrates’ Court by Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram, remarking,
“You were out drunk in the early hours. The attack was unprovoked. Being drunk is no excuse, and as a member of parliament, you could reasonably expect a robust challenge from constituents and members of the public.”
Mr Ikram added,
“You continued the attack whilst the victim was on the ground. This incident may well not have come to an end had the bystander not intervened. Your conduct would have had an impact on others watching on. You continued to rant as you left.”
What did Daniel Travers say about Amesbury’s impact from public shaming?
A defending lawyer for Amesbury, Daniel Travers, during the appeal hearing, stated that the public shaming and embarrassment had a profound impact on the MP. He added, “This is a man who will certainly rehabilitate and learn a painful lesson.”
He said,
“He’s now had three nights in prison, which is an experience he will never forget, certainly,”
adding,
“This is a man who will certainly rehabilitate. He will learn a very painful lesson.”
What did Yvette Cooper say about Amesbury?
Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, stated on the Today Programme,
“Everything that has happened is unacceptable. This is why the Labour Party took immediate action to remove him as a Labour MP and expel him from the Labour Party.”
How did Labour party respond after Amesbury’s conviction?
A Labour party representative stated,
“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.
They added,
“Local residents in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency deserved better and we look forward to them getting the representation they deserve in the future with a new Labour MP.”
Could MP Amesbury face a by-election after his sentence?
A by-election will be held if Amesbury decides to resign as MP. Since his sentence is under a year and was suspended for two years after an appeal, he can continue as an independent MP during the appeals. However, if his appeals fail, he would face a recall petition.
Labour faces a major test if the first by-election of the current parliament is triggered, having secured the seat with a 14,696 majority last summer. Nigel Farage‘s party, Reform UK, which came second with 18%, and the Tories, polling at 16%, will also be competing for the seat.
It is also believed that if a by-election is held in this constituency, there is a chance Reform UK could take the seat.