This is the shocking moment MP Mike Amesbury attacked a man in the street. The former Manchester councillor of more than a decade was hauled before a court this morning (Thursday, January 16), where he admitted assault.
He punched a man in the head in the early hours during a fracas outside a taxi rank in Frodsham town centre. His victim, 45-year-old Paul Fellows, fell to the ground and Amesbury continued his attack, punching him again ‘at least five times’.
The footage, which was shown during this morning’s hearing at Chester magistrates court, shows 55-year-old Amesbury speaking with Mr Fellows for ‘several minutes’.
Mr Fellows said that he recognised Amesbury as the local MP, and ‘remonstrated’ with him about a bridge closure in the town. Amesbury could be heard shouting ‘what’ a number of times, before he suddenly threw a punch, hitting Mr Fellows in the head.
He continued to punch him after he fell to the floor. Members of public then intervened, after 2am on Saturday, October 26 last year. After the attack, the MP said: “Don’t ever threaten me again.”
MP Mike Amesbury outside Chester Magistrates’ Court -Credit:Ian Cooper/PA Wire
He added: “You won’t threaten your MP again will you, you f****** soft lad.” Amesbury today pleaded guilty to one count of common assault. He is due to be sentenced next month.
He was suspended from the Labour Party after footage of the incident emerged online, however, he stayed on as an independent MP.
Thee Manchester Evening News understands he has now resigned from the Labour Party. He will now have to decide if he wishes to resign as an MP – a decision that would result in a by-election.
A still from the footage of Mike Amesbury punching a man
After today’s hearing, a Labour Party spokesperson said: “It is right that Mike Amesbury has taken responsibility for his unacceptable actions. He was rightly suspended by the Labour Party following the announcement of the police investigation.
“We cannot comment further whilst legal proceedings are still ongoing.”
Outside court, Mr Amesbury told members of the press the incident was ‘highly regrettable’. He said: “Of course I’m sincerely sorry to Mr Fellows and his family.”