CPS considering whether to charge MP Mike Amesbury over 'punching' video
The Crown Prosecution Service is considering whether to charge MP Mike Amesbury after videos appearing to show him punching a man emerged. Mr Amesbury, who represents Runcorn & Helsby in Parliament, has been suspended by the Labour Party amid ongoing investigations into the incident.
Cheshire Police confirmed a 55-year-old man had been voluntarily interviewed under caution in relation to the incident after officers were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham at 2.48am last Saturday (October 26). The police said he had since been released pending further enquiries.
The Manchester Evening News reports that, in a statement issued today (November 1), the force said: "Cheshire Police received reports of an assault in Main Street, Frodsham, at 2.48am on Saturday 26 October. An investigation was immediately undertaken, and a 55-year-old man was voluntarily interviewed under caution by police in relation to this incident.
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"A file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service on Tuesday 29 October for their consideration and we are awaiting their decision."
The Labour Party confirmed on Sunday night that the MP had been suspended “pending an investigation” into the incident. A Labour spokesperson said: “Mike Amesbury MP has been assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries following an incident on Friday night.
“As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury’s membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation.”
CCTV published on Sunday captured two men standing facing each other before the man purported to be Mr Amesbury punched the other and continued hitting him on the ground. It is not clear from the video what happened in the moments beforehand.
It comes after different footage posted on social media on Saturday appeared to show the MP shouting and pointing his finger at a man lying in the street. He appeared to say: “You won’t ever threaten me again, will you? You won’t ever threaten me again will you."
Mr Amesbury said on Saturday that he will “co-operate with any inquiries”, but was “determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community” after the initial footage circulated online. He said in a statement: “Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends.
“This morning, I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened during the incident. I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, co-operate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.”