Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury has had his 10-week prison sentence for assaulting a constituent suspended for two years, following an appeal at Chester Crown Court on February 27, 2025.

Amesbury was originally jailed after CCTV footage showed him knocking a man to the ground and hitting him multiple times during a night out in October 2024, leading to his suspension from the Labour Party.

The assault occurred amid heightened scrutiny of political figures, with critics like Tory MP Robert Jenrick accusing Labour of inconsistent standards compared to how Conservative MPs would be treated.

The judge’s decision to suspend the sentence has reignited debates about a perceived "two-tier justice system" in the UK. Recent discussions highlight disparities in sentencing for those perceived to be left-leaning compared to those on the right.

The appeal was granted by Judge Steven Everett, who faced disciplinary action in 2024 for accusing a defendant of using his cultural norms to justify criminal behaviour. This adds complexity, as some speculate his ruling in Amesbury’s appeal might reflect pressure to regain favour within a potentially political judiciary.