Picture: Facebook.Mike Amesbury.

Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury has been jailed for ten weeks for punching a man in a “drunken brawl”.

Amesbury, 55, was caught up in the early hours fracas when a row got out of hand.

He admitted he’d assaulted Paul Fellows in Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, last October.

Amesbury, MP for Runcorn and Helsby, was dismissed by the Labour Party.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer could now face a tricky by-election.

District Judge Tan Ikram said Mr Fellows had shown no aggression and did not retaliate to the attack.

He added: “The immediate custodial sentence was necessary both as a punishment and a deterrent.

“You were out drunk in the early hours, the attack was unprovoked, being in drink was no excuse and, as an MP, you can reasonably expect robust challenge from constituents.

“You continued the attack while the victim was on the ground – this incident may not have come to an end if bystanders didn’t intervene.”

The judge refused a bail application.

Two prison officers took Amesbury down to be transferred to HMP Altcourse, in Liverpool.

He appeared not to have an overnight bag.

Amesbury became involved in a row with Mr Fellows at a tax rank.

Mr Fellows argued about a bridge closure in the town.

CCTV footage showed the MP strike Mr Fellows to the head.

The victim was knocked to the ground as the MP continued to rain down blows – five at least.

He was heard saying “You won’t threaten your MP again, will you?”

Mr Ikram said he “found no aggression on the part of the victim or any retaliation by him”.

He told Amesbury: “I note that you continued to punch Mr Fellows when he was on the ground and continued to shout at Mr Fellows.

“You continued to attack when he was on the ground and it may have continued further had a bystander not intervened.

“You continued to rant – your position ought to be as a role model to others.”