A British lawmaker, aged 55, has been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a 45-year-old man in a drunken rage. The incident took place in Frodsham, northwest England, where the lawmaker, a member of Parliament, punched the constituent in the face multiple times during an altercation in the early hours of October 26.
Surveillance camera footage captured the assault, showing the lawmaker knocking the man into the street and continuing to punch him until bystanders intervened. The victim, although not seriously injured, was fortunate to escape with only minor injuries, as highlighted by the presiding judge.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that both men had been drinking prior to the incident, which escalated when the constituent raised concerns about a local bridge closure to the lawmaker. The judge emphasized the seriousness of unprovoked drunken behavior in public spaces and deemed the assault worthy of a custodial sentence as a deterrent to others.
The defense lawyer argued that the lawmaker's actions were out of character and urged for a lenient sentence, citing the impact on his client's reputation. However, the judge dismissed the plea for a non-custodial sentence, emphasizing the need for accountability and punishment in such cases.
Following the sentencing, calls for the lawmaker's resignation have emerged from opposition parties, with the possibility of a recall petition that could lead to a special election if supported by 10% of his constituents. This case marks a rare instance of a sitting member of Parliament being imprisoned for assault, underscoring the gravity of the lawmaker's actions and the consequences he now faces.
