Ex-Labour MP avoids immediate jail time, but faces strict conditions after assault conviction.

Mike Amesbury, the former Labour MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has had his 10-week prison sentence suspended for two years following an appeal at Chester Crown Court. Amesbury had been sentenced earlier this week for assaulting a constituent while intoxicated in the street. The 55-year-old politician was originally jailed for punching Paul Fellows, 45, during an argument on 26 October in Frodsham, Cheshire.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Amesbury has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, undergo 120 days of alcohol monitoring, attend an anger management course, and participate in 20 days of rehabilitation. His sentence was initially passed on Monday after footage surfaced showing him punching Fellows repeatedly, even after the victim had fallen to the ground.

Amesbury pleaded guilty to the attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning. His legal team argued that he had been provoked and feared for his safety, although this claim was disputed by the court after reviewing CCTV footage, which contradicted his account. The judge, Steven Everett, stated that while the original sentence was not entirely inappropriate, Amesbury had shown potential for rehabilitation, which led to the decision to suspend the sentence.

Despite the suspension, Amesbury faces further political pressure, with calls from his constituents and prominent figures, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, for him to resign or face a recall, triggering a by-election. His actions have already led to his suspension from the Labour Party, and the question of whether he will continue serving as an independent MP remains unclear. The case continues to stir public debate on the conduct of elected officials.