To the curious case of Mike Amesbury. The former Labour politician for Runcorn and Helsby was on Monday handed a 10-week prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to punching a man in the street. But after appealing the sentence at Chester Crown Court today, Amesbury will now avoid prison.
During the ex-Labour man’s appeal hearing today, Judge Steven Everett imposed another 10-week prison sentence – but suspended it for two years. Instead of going to jail, Amesbury will be expected to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, undertake both a 12-month alcohol monitoring programme and an anger management course and do 20 days of rehabilitation work. Explaining his decision, Everett told the politician:
It’s been a very fine line. We came to the conclusion that, without in any way criticising the original settee of 10 weeks, because of the important change in the last three to four days you are a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and therefore we will suspend your sentence for two years.
As a result of his sentencing, a recall petition will be held in the ex-Labour MP’s seat of Runcorn and Helsby. Just 10 per cent of his constituents voting against Amesbury would trigger a by-election – which would be the first of Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership. It could pose more problems for the PM, given Reform UK came second in the area in the July election. Nigel Farage’s party has topped a number of polls in recent weeks, and this likely looming electoral test will have the Labour lot feeling rather nervous about their chances. Stay tuned…
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