Disgraced MP Mike Amesbury breaks silence after avoiding jail for attacking man in street

Mike Amesbury - who has been spending time with his family since his release - has avoided jail after he was sentenced to 10 weeks for common assault earlier this week

MP Mike Amesbury has been pictured leaving court as a free man for the first time, after spending three nights behind bars. The Runcorn and Helsby MP, originally from Wythenshawe and a former Manchester councillor, was initially sentenced to 10 weeks in jail on Monday for common assault when he punched a man in the street.

However, today (Thursday, February 27), Amesbury successfully appealed his sentence at Chester Crown Court and was released.

He was instead given a 10-week prison sentence, suspended for two years by Chester's senior judge, the Honorary Recorder Steven Everett.

The 55 year old was directed to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and participate in a 120-day alcohol monitoring programme. He was also mandated to fulfil 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, which encompasses an anger management course.

Upon leaving the courthouse this afternoon, Amesbury addressed the press: "I'd like to reiterate that I sincerely apologise once again to Mr Fellows and his family. I'm now going to go and see my family, and go home, and I'll give a statement at a later stage.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

He declined to respond to queries about whether he will step down as an MP. After being arrested last year, the ex-Labour MP, who now sits as an Independent for the Cheshire constituency, had been suspended from his party.

In January, Amesbury admitted to assaulting Paul Fellows, aged 45, following an altercation on the streets of Frodsham, during the early morning of October 26.

Mr Fellows, who attended the same school as Amesbury and recognised him in his capacity as an MP, admitted to having consumed alcohol on the night of the incident. Prosecutor Gareth Roberts stated at today's hearing that Mr Fellows conceded he was 'six out of ten' drunk but maintained he was still able to walk, talk, and had no memory impairment.

Earlier that evening, Mr Fellows had been enjoying himself in Manchester and was waiting for a taxi home at a Frodsham taxi rank when he encountered Amesbury, who was also awaiting a cab. The pair engaged in a five-minute conversation which included discussion about the closure of a local bridge.

"At some point the appellant became angry," revealed Mr Roberts.

Amesbury reportedly shouted 'what' approximately five times before striking Mr Fellows with his left fist, knocking him to the ground. According to Mr Roberts, the MP didn't stop there, continuing his assault on the fallen Mr Fellows by 'throwing and landing a further five punches', all seemingly targeted at the head and face.

Witnesses heard Amesbury say 'you'll never threaten your MP again' and refer to Mr Fellows as a 'soft f****** lad'. Following the incident, Mr Fellows reported it to the police leading to Amesbury's arrest.

While he offered no comment to police questioning, he did provide a prepared statement.

In his statement, Amesbury alleged that Mr Fellows had been 'shouting and screaming' about 'local and national issues' including a swing bridge, 'immigration' and ''other issues'.

Amesbury claimed that he felt 'vulnerable' and 'cornered', as Mr Fellows was part of a group. He stated he had 'no other option but to defend myself from these men'.

However, with his guilty plea to common assault, Mr Roberts said Amesbury has now withdrawn from those claims.

In his ruling on the appeal, Judge Everett informed Amesbury: "It has been a very fine line, I tell you now. Because of the important change over the last three or four days, we can conclude you are a realistic prospect of rehabilitation."

The judge labelled Amesbury's behaviour as 'simply disgraceful', including post the incident. He stated: "In reality, there is no other way to look at it, you told the police a pack of lies. You lost your temper in a huge way."

Judge Everett, who presided over the appeal alongside two magistrates, continued: "The facts of this case show you in a truly unfavourable light as an MP. As an MP you are regarded as a leader in your community.

"You should set a good example for others in your community. Our view is that as an MP you were not demonstrating the kind of leadership you should have to your constituents and to the people of this country on that night.

"We don't believe we can ignore that."

Earlier in the hearing, Amesbury's barrister Daniel Travers mentioned: "He has now had three nights in prison, which is an experience he will never forget."

He added that Amesbury has faced 'public shaming' and 'embarrassment', which has also impacted his family.