A British lawmaker, Mike Amesbury, has been charged with assault a few weeks after a video of him punching a man surfaced on the internet. 

In late October, surveillance footage published by the Daily Mail shows Mr Amesbury striking a man in the face.

Mr Amesbury is expected to appear in court at a later date to be announced.

Rosemary Ainslie of Cheshire Police Station said it is “extremely important that there should be no reporting commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings”. 

She added, “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.’’

A few days after a video of Mr Amesbury assaulting a man on the street emerged on the internet, the Labour Party announced Mr Amesbury’s suspension “pending an investigation.” 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described video of incident as shocking, adding that Mr Amesbury has been suspended both from the party and the parliament. 

“I have seen the video footage; it’s shocking,” said Mr Starmer. “We moved very swiftly to suspend him as a member and as a member of parliament.”

Mr Amesbury, who has represented Cheshire in the House of Commons since 2017, following his suspension, now sits as an independent MP after losing the party whip.

Amid public outrage over the viral video, the populist Reform UK party called for Mr Amesbury’s resignation and for a by-election in his constituency.

MPs who lose the whip may continue serving in the Commons, but a recall petition could be triggered if they receive a prison sentence.