Runcorn and Helsby MP Mike Amesbury has had his 10-week jail sentenced suspended, following a successful appeal at Chester Crown Court.
He spent three nights in prison, after he was sentenced earlier this week for attacking a man outside a Chinese takeaway in Frodsham in October.
Amesbury pleaded guilty at a hearing at Chester Magistrates Court on 16th January, and was taken immediately to prison following the sentencing hearing on Monday.
Today (27th February) he was told by judge Steven Everett that the initial sentence length had been “spot on” but that jail time would not be necessary, in part because there was a low likelihood of him reoffending.
The 55-year-old politician punched Paul Fellows, 45, shortly after 2am on 26th October in a drunken attack in which Mr Fellows fell to the ground and was repeatedly hit by the MP.
Although his jail sentence was suspended, Amesbury was ordered to attend an anger management course, carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and take part in an alcohol monitoring programme.
The judge told him his behaviour had not shown him in a favourable light, and further criticised him for “not showing the sort of leadership” he should have to his constituents and the wider country.
‘Simply disgraceful’
Mr Everett said Amesbury’s behaviour had been “simply disgraceful” and admonished him for the “pack of lies” he told police during an interview in which Amesbury had initially tried to claim the attack was an act of self-defence.
The court was again shown CCTV footage of the incident, which the judge said had contradicted Amesbury’s account to officers.
Amesbury’s defence lawyer Daniel Travers said the MP had learnt a “painful lesson” and that the three nights behind bars would be an experience he would never forget.
Mr Travers said Amesbury had shown genuine remorse, and had faced public shaming and embarrassment following the attack.
His career as an MP was in jeopardy, Mr Travers said, and his family had also been affected.
Mr Everett said it was fortunate that Mr Fellows’ injuries had not been more serious, and cautioned that even “one punch” incidents had been known to result in the victim’s death.
An earlier order to pay £200 in compensation as well as £85 in costs and a £154 surcharge was not contested.
Recall petition
Amesbury was suspended from the Labour Party when details of the incident emerged, and has been sitting as an independent MP.
As a result of his prison sentence, he may now face a recall petition – which would result in a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby if at least 10% of eligible voters in the constituency sign it.
If that happened, Amesbury would still be eligible to stand in the by-election if he chose to do so.
The court heard he had no previous convictions and had dedicated half of his life to public service.
He has been a Labour MP in Cheshire since 2017 and held a number of shadow ministerial roles between July 2018 and May 2024.
At the general election in July he won his constituency with a majority of 14,696 and a 52.9% vote share.
Follow So Cheshire on Facebook, Threads and Instagram. You can also email cheshire@so-counties.co.uk with your story ideas or to enquire about advertising opportunities.
