MARTIN LAWRENCE, 48, of Military Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock, has been temporarily suspended from his position at Dyfed-Powys Police after admitting to assaulting his former partner. Additionally, Lawrence has pleaded guilty to two charges related to causing criminal damage during a dispute at a Tumble residence.

The court at Haverfordwest was informed that on February 26, the victim, whose identity remains protected, approached Dyfed-Powys Police and consulted a domestic abuse officer due to Lawrence’s behaviour. Crown Prosecutor Kelly Rivers stated, “She was deeply afraid of him.” Rivers detailed multiple instances where Lawrence verbally abused the victim, spat at her, and even hurled a crutch in her direction.

On the night of the incident, after the victim returned home from an evening out, she was accompanied by a friend due to fears stemming from prior abusive encounters with Lawrence. The following day, the friend departed, but Lawrence arrived, subjecting the victim to hours of verbal abuse. During the dispute, Lawrence damaged the victim’s work ID and iPhone.

Jessica Smith, representing Lawrence in court, expressed his desire to apologize to the victim. She mentioned, “He has been diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, leading to violent outbursts, a fact corroborated by both his GP and a Tourette’s Syndrome specialist.” A comprehensive psychiatric assessment of Lawrence is pending, with findings to be presented to the Probation Service.

The court has adjourned sentencing to November 14. Meanwhile, Lawrence has been granted conditional bail with stipulations: he is prohibited from entering Tumble, making any contact with the victim, and accessing her workplace.