Fresh “two-tier justice” claims have been made after Labour MP Mike Amesbury avoided an immediate jail term for punching a constituent.
The Runcorn MP was sentenced to a 10-week prison sentence for assaulting the victim in a brutal attack in Cheshire.
But in an appeal hearing just days later, Judge Steven Everett ruled the sentence should be suspended – meaning the politician will no longer serve time in prison unless he breaches the terms of the sentence.
The move has been widely criticised, particularly as Judge Everett handed a 15-month jail sentence to a grandmother for a provocative post on Facebook last year.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick described the judge’s ruling as “weak” and warned it “gives a green light to thuggery and violence”.
Amesbury’s sentence was suspended on appeal (Image: Getty)
The top Tory fumed: “Anyone who launches an unprovoked bout of punches and kicks deserves a strong punishment.”
“Community service and the prospect of ejecting him from Parliament is not enough. This weak sentence gives a green light to thuggery and violence.
“And it risks the perception of two tier justice. The court heard Amesbury’s appeal within 72 hours, when rape cases are being listed for 2027.”
Mail columnist Dan Hodges argued: “If we want to take a hard line on members of the public who harass and target our politicians (and I think we should) it’s equally important to take a hard line on politicians who target members of the public.”
Top Tory Robert Jenrick slammed the judge’s ruling (Image: Getty)
Tory London Assembly member Susan Hall described the ruling as “unbelievable”, while Annunziata Rees-Mogg added: “Thirty-one months in jail for an undoubtedly provocative (but deleted) post on X that caused no physical injury to anyone. Walk free for a sustained physical attack on an actual human being.”
She questioned: “How does this make sense?”
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe added: “It seems that you’re often more likely to end in prison through ‘inciting’ violence, than actually inflicting it.”
He said the ruling showed those serving prison time for offensive social media messages should have their sentences urgently reviewed – something he is pushing the Ministry of Justice on.
He added: “It is in no way an effective use of prison space. Release them, and use that capacity to jail brawling MPs.”
Amesbury could be booted out of Parliament over the violent incident, which was caught on camera.
Constituents of an MP who receives a prison term, including suspended sentences, are entitled to hold a recall petition. If 10% of his voters sign it, there will be a by-election.
