MP Mike Amesbury charged with common assault after incident in Cheshire street

MP Mike Amesbury has been charged with common assault following an incident in Frodsham, Cheshire, last month.

The charge comes after a video emerged of him appearing to punch a man to the ground.

Cheshire Police said the 55-year-old will appear at a magistrates court at a later date to face the assault charge.

In a statement, police said the charge "relates to reports of an assault on a 45-year-old man on Main Street, Frodsham, which was reported to police at 2.48am on Saturday 26 October".

Rosemary Ainslie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's special crime division, said: "Following a review of the evidence provided by Cheshire Police, we have authorised a charge of common assault against Mike Amesbury MP, 55.

"The charge follows an alleged assault in Frodsham, Cheshire, on Saturday, 26 October 2024.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial."

In a statement, Mr Amesbury said: "I have today been summonsed to court to face a charge of common assault following an incident in Frodsham last month, which was deeply regrettable.

"I am continuing to cooperate with police and given this is an ongoing case I cannot comment further."

Labour suspended Mr Amesbury from the party so he is now an independent MP for Runcorn and Helsby.

A party spokesperson said there would be no further comment whilst legal proceedings are ongoing.

The House of Commons confirmed Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has appointed a Risk Assessment Panel to consider the case.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: "We do not comment on individual cases.

"The House has an established process, under Standing Order 164, to consider sanctions on members who have been arrested on suspicion of violent or sexual offences.

"In accordance with that process, Mr Speaker has appointed a Risk Assessment Panel."

(c) Sky News 2024: MP Mike Amesbury charged with common assault after incident in Cheshire street