Former Moose Jaw Wakamow MP Greg Lawrence pleaded guilty to assault in Moose Jaw provincial court on Wednesday and was sentenced to 12 months on parole.

As part of a joint submission between Lawrence’s lawyer, Merv Nidesh, and provincial Crown prosecutor, Rob Parker, Lawrence rescinded his previous not guilty plea to charges of assault and assault by suffocation. The charge of assault by suffocation was withdrawn by the prosecution.

Parker said the offense happened in February 2019 when Lawrence got into a verbal argument with his now ex-wife, Marjorie. With the guilty plea, Parker said Lawrence acknowledged he “lost his temper” and pushed Marjorie.

Parker told the court he had been in contact with and consulted with the victim, and she was happy with the resolution.

No criminal record was alleged and Parker felt a conditional release was appropriate because it was a domestic dispute and public safety would not be compromised.

Nidesh noted that Lawrence was in a serious motorcycle accident long after the incident that left him with physical and emotional problems. Lawrence appeared in court Wednesday in person, walking with a cane and an emotional support dog.

“He is suffering the consequences of his injuries,” Nidesh told the court.

As a former MP, Nidesh cited the fact that Lawrence is a well-known figure in the community and called the attack “out of character.”

“He has been an outstanding member of the community in the past,” Nidesh said.

Judge Ross Green followed the joint submission and sentenced Lawrence to a 12-month conditional discharge. The conditions include the mandatory condition of maintaining public order and good behavior, appearing in court when required and informing the court of any change of name, address or employment. He was also made subject to conditions requiring him to have no contact with the victim, not to be within five meters of the person and not to be within 50 meters of the home, place of work or place of education of the victim.

Lawrence must also pay a $100 victim surcharge.

Green asked Lawrence if he had anything to say and he declined to comment.

Lawrence resigned from the Saskatchewan Party Caucus to sit as an independent on January 30, citing “historical complaints unrelated to his duties as MP for Moose Jaw Wakamow.” Lawrence previously announced he was not seeking re-election following his motorcycle accident.

A day later, the Moose Jaw Police Service announced that Lawrence had been charged with assault following an investigation that began in June 2023.