LONDON (AP) — British lawmaker Mike Amesbury, 55, has pleaded guilty to assaulting a 45-year-old man in a street altercation captured on video. The incident took place on October 26 in Frodsham, a town in northwest England. Amesbury, a member of Parliament representing the constituency of Runcorn and Helsby, was suspended by the Labour Party following the altercation.
During the incident, Amesbury confronted his constituent Paul Fellows on a sidewalk in Frodsham after Fellows raised concerns about a bridge closure in the town. Prosecutor Alison Storey stated that Amesbury punched Fellows in the head, causing him to fall to the ground. Amesbury proceeded to strike Fellows at least five more times while he was down, despite calls from onlookers to stop.
In a video circulating on social media, Amesbury can be heard yelling at Fellows, “You won’t ever threaten me again, will you?” Both individuals had been consuming alcohol prior to the altercation, which occurred in the early hours of the morning.
The assault took place following a meeting that Amesbury attended concerning community safety and policing. District Judge Tanveer Ikram noted that while Fellows did not sustain serious injuries, the multiple punches delivered by Amesbury were considered an aggravating factor in the case. These punches will be taken into account during Amesbury’s sentencing, scheduled for February 24.
Amesbury expressed remorse for his actions, stating to reporters that he was “sincerely sorry” for the incident involving Fellows. His defense lawyer, Richard Derby, emphasized that any punishment imposed on Amesbury should be viewed in the context of the shame and embarrassment he has experienced as a result of his behavior.
