Suspended Labour MP seen laughing with pals moments after punching constituent in new CCTV footage
NEW CCTV footage shows drunken punch MP Mike Amesbury laughing with pals just moments after pummelling a constituent.
The images reveal the Labour politician was giggling with two women in the aftermath of the fracas.
Footage before the attack shows Mr Amesbury, 55, walking past a taxi rank before victim Paul Fellows, 42, says something.
The MP stops and listens before they have a heated chat lasting several minutes.
At one point Mr Fellows goes to walk away before Mr Amesbury says something, prompting him to turn round.
Mr Amesbury is then seen thumping Mr Fellows.
The video shows the politician then stumbling away, looking unsteady on his feet.
He is comforted by a woman, who strokes his head while Mr Fellows remains on the ground.
Mr Fellows eventually stands up and stares at Mr Amesbury, who then leaves in a cab.
Mr Amesbury, who was suspended from the Labour Party by Sir Keir Starmer over the incident, is facing pressure to stand down from his Runcorn and Helsby seat.
Police are investigating the footage of him flooring Mr Fellows at 2.15am on Saturday and continuing to hit the dad-of two while he lay on the floor.
Mr Fellows was punched while waiting for a taxi in Frodsham, Cheshire.
According to The Times, the two men rowed about the upcoming 33-day closure of the Sutton Weaver swing bridge.
Mr Amesbury had recently described the closure as “unacceptable”. A witness said the row also touched on winter fuel payments being scrapped.
We can reveal that Mr Fellows, who lives in Frodsham, was caught drink-driving in the town in June.
He was banned from driving for two-and-a-half years after he was found to be almost double the legal limit.
Yesterday he grinned while leaving his home to get a cab.
Asked if he had been quizzed by police he said “yes” and added: “I won’t be commenting any more at this time.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir described Mr Amesbury’s attack as “shocking”.
Cheshire Police have said that a man, aged 55, was voluntarily interviewed under caution.