MP’s prison term suspended on appeal- QHN

MP Mike Amesbury, who admitted repeatedly punching a constituent in the street, has had his 10-week prison sentence suspended following an appeal.

The Runcorn and Helsby MP assaulted Paul Fellows, 45, following a row in Frodsham, Cheshire, last year and was jailed by magistrates on Monday.

Amesbury, who has had his Labour whip removed, launched an appeal and a judge said that while the length of the sentence had been “spot on”, it should be suspended.

Judge Steven Everett, sitting with two magistrates at Chester Crown Court, also ordered Amesbury to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Amesbury must also undertake a alcohol monitoring programme, go on an anger management course and carry out 20 days of rehabilitation work.

His sentence still leaves the 55-year-old, who now sits as an Independent MP, at risk of being ousted if his constituents back a recall petition calling for a by-election.

Video footage of the 26 October assault, which was played in court, showed Amesbury punching Mr Fellows in the head, knocking him to the ground.

The politician then punched him at least five more times and swore at him.

Amesbury was then heard saying: “You won’t threaten your MP again will you?”

Judge Everett told Amesbury the facts showed him “in a truly unfavourable light” and, as an MP, he “should be showing an example”.

While acknowledging it would be wrong to sentence Amesbury differently because he was an MP, the judge added: “That doesn’t mean we can’t take into account that your behaviour as an MP was simply disgraceful.”

He said he also could not ignore Amesbury’s “heavy drinking and fighting”.

The former Labour politician arrived at court in a prison van and wore handcuffs as he was led into the building.

The court heard that, in a prepared statement given in a police interview, Amesbury initially claimed he was approached by a man “shouting and screaming” about local and national matters.

The MP said that because he was terrified and the other man’s “arms were swinging”, he felt he had no option but to “defend” himself.

The judge told him that the CCTV pictures revealed a very different story.

“In reality, you told the police a pack of lies. Nothing more, nothing less,” he said.

The judge questioned why a charge of affray, which has a longer sentence, had not been brought by the prosecution.

Daniel Travers, defending, told the court: “He’s now had three nights in prison which is an experience he will never forget, certainly.”

He said the “public shaming” and “embarrassment” had had a huge impact on Amesbury.

Mr Travers added: “This is a man who will certainly rehabilitate. He will learn a very painful lesson.”