MP Mike Amesbury Pleads Guilty to Assault After Street Altercation
Mike Amesbury, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Runcorn and Helsby, has admitted to an assault charge following a disturbing incident in his Cheshire constituency. The 55-year-old, who had been a member of the Labour Party until his suspension in October 2024, pleaded guilty to assault by beating after a video surfaced showing him attacking a man on the streets of Frodsham.
The incident took place in the early hours of October 26, 2024. CCTV footage captured Amesbury punching 45-year-old Paul Fellows in the face, knocking him to the ground. The footage then showed Amesbury continuing the assault, striking the fallen man multiple times while shouting, "You won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?" The attack followed an argument between the two men regarding a local bridge closure, which Fellows had approached Amesbury to discuss. According to the prosecution, Fellows, who had been drinking that night, was initially speaking calmly with Amesbury before the altercation escalated.
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Amesbury, who was also drinking that night, has since expressed deep regret over his actions. Outside the court, he apologized to his victim, Mr. Fellows, and his family, calling the incident "highly regrettable." He also explained that he had felt threatened during the encounter, which contributed to his violent reaction. Amesbury voluntarily reported the incident to the police shortly after it occurred, and footage from various angles later confirmed the severity of his actions. The MP now faces a pre-sentence report before the court reconvenes to determine an appropriate punishment.
This case has been particularly significant, as Amesbury’s actions have led to his suspension from the Labour Party. The Labour Party made it clear that his suspension would remain in place following his guilty plea, and he will continue to serve as an independent MP. His future in parliament could be at risk, as a conviction leading to a custodial sentence or suspension could trigger a by-election in his constituency.
The court heard that both Amesbury and Fellows had been at the taxi rank in Frodsham, and the two men had engaged in a brief conversation about the bridge closure. While the interaction appeared to be non-confrontational at first, Amesbury suddenly attacked Fellows after he turned away. The assault, which occurred on a public street, has drawn significant attention, particularly considering Amesbury's high profile as an elected representative.
It’s clear that the consequences of this incident have been far-reaching for the MP. As an independent MP, his career has already been impacted, and the legal process is far from over. A sentence of a year or more in prison would see him lose his seat, while a lesser sentence could lead to a recall petition and potentially force a by-election.
Amesbury’s actions have not only affected his political career but have also placed a spotlight on the challenges that MPs face in their roles. The Labour Party has expressed that it was the right decision for Amesbury to take responsibility for his actions, but there are still many unknowns ahead. This case serves as a reminder that even public figures are not immune from facing consequences for their actions, especially when they violate the law in such a dramatic way.
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