Cheshire MP Mike Amesbury has pleaded guilty to assault after video footage of an incident in the street surfaced. The Wythenshawe-born politician, who has been suspended by Labour, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on January 16.

The incident took place at around 2am on October 26 last year in Frodsham, within his constituency of Runcorn and Helsby. The 55-year-old Mr. Amesbury confirmed his details in court, dressed in a grey suit, white shirt, and red tie.

He entered a guilty plea for common assault against 45-year-old Paul Fellows. According to prosecutor Alison Storey, both men had been drinking earlier that night and were present at a taxi rank in Frodsham when the altercation occurred.

Mr. Fellows recognized Mr. Amesbury and engaged him about a bridge closure. The court heard that Mr. Amesbury replied, "it's nothing to do with me," before he stepped toward Mr. Fellows and punched him in the face. CCTV evidence indicated that the two engaged for 'several minutes', during which Mr. Amesbury could be heard shouting 'what?' multiple times. Following the initial punch, Mr. Fellows fell to the ground, and Mr. Amesbury continued to strike him at least five more times.

During the hearing, Mr. Amesbury was heard saying: "Don't ever threaten me again... You won't threaten your MP again will you, you f***** soft lad." The court learned that Mr. Amesbury, now an independent MP, no longer asserts self-defense as he initially claimed to police.

In his defense, Richard Derby mentioned that Mr. Amesbury has faced 'shame and embarrassment' due to the incident and has dealt with security threats, including panic alarms installed in his home from prior threats. He noted, "Rightly or wrongly Mr. Amesbury took as some form of threat to himself... The incident is regrettable and unfortunate."

Mr. Amesbury is due to be sentenced in a future hearing and has been granted unconditional bail until February 24.