Mike Amesbury: Former MP Walks Free After Winning Appeal Against Jail Sentence.

Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury has walked free after successfully appealing a 10-week jail sentence for assaulting a constituent in a street altercation. His sentence, handed down earlier this week, has now been suspended for two years, meaning he will avoid prison unless he commits further crimes.

Amesbury, 55, pleaded guilty to assaulting 45-year-old Paul Fellows in Frodsham, Cheshire, on October 26. The incident occurred after Fellows asked the MP about a bridge closure. Initially, Amesbury was set to serve 40% of his sentence—four weeks—in prison, followed by a year on licence. However, after his lawyer launched an appeal, Chester Crown Court ruled that his jail time should be suspended.

The Labour Party, which suspended Amesbury immediately after the incident, confirmed that he would not be reinstated as a member. Amesbury remains an independent MP, continuing to receive his £91,000 salary, as parliamentary rules stipulate that an MP only loses their pay when they are no longer in office.

Despite public pressure for Amesbury to resign, he has yet to do so. A recall petition—a process that can trigger a by-election if 10% of his constituents sign it—cannot be initiated until all of Amesbury’s legal appeals are exhausted. At this time, it remains unclear whether Amesbury will challenge his latest sentence further.

The case raises significant questions about the accountability of MPs. While Amesbury’s legal challenges continue, the public and political fallout could push for further action. His continued position as an MP, despite the assault, has left many questioning whether enough is being done to hold elected officials to a higher standard.