AMESBURY FREED ON APPEAL

MP Mike Amesbury has been freed from prison after serving just two days of a ten week sentence.  Having been sent down on Monday afternoon, he appeared at Chester Crown Court this morning for a lightning appeal hearing.  After being led into court in handcuffs, his original ten week sentence was suspended for two years, although he will now have to carry out 200 hours of community service, undertake 120 days of alcohol monitoring, complete an anger management course and 20 days of rehabilitation.

The decision by judge Steven Everett to spare Amesbury prison will spark widespread anger and renewed accusations of two tier justice.  During the hearing the judge questioned why a charge of affray had not been sought by the prosecution, which normally results in a longer sentence.  Sitting alongside two magistrates, Everett told the court:  "We came to the conclusion that, without in any way criticising the original sentence of ten 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 the sentence for two years."

It's an outrageous statement that begs the question: What 'important change'?  What could have changed just two days into a ten week sentence, that warrants an urgent appeal resulting in the immediate suspension of his sentence?  Would one of his constituents have been treated with the same leniency?  What if it had been Amesbury who had been punched to the ground and viciously assaulted thereafter, would that constituent receive a ten week sentence and an immediate appeal?

It is understood that Amesbury's solicitor launched an appeal shortly after the MP was sentenced, but the speed with which it was heard will raise a few eyebrows.  A potential recall petition to force Amesbury out of office cannot proceed until all appeals have been heard.  Now a free man, he can opt to bite the bullet or appeal again and risk being returned to prison.

Amesbury's defence barrister told the court that his three nights in prison would be 'an experience he will never forget'.  He added that the MP 'will learn a painful lesson' following 'public shaming' and the 'embarrassment' caused by his self-inflicted predicament.

A Labour spokesperson confirmed that Amesbury would not be allowed back into the party and repeated calls for the MP to resign so that a by-election can be held in his Runcorn and Helsby constituency.