Former Moose Jaw MLA receives conditional discharge for assault

Former Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence pleaded guilty to assault at Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Wednesday and was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge.

As part of a joint submission between Lawrence’s lawyer Merv Nidesh and Provincial Crown Prosecutor Rob Parker, Lawrence vacated his earlier not-guilty plea for charges of assault and assault by choking. The assault by choking charge was withdrawn by the prosecution.

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Parker said the offence occurred in February of 2019 when Lawrence got into a verbal argument with his now ex-wife Marjorie. With the guilty plea, Parker said Lawrence acknowledges that he “lost his composure” and pushed Marjorie.

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

There was no previous record alleged, and Parker felt a conditional discharge was appropriate as it was a domestic dispute and the public’s safety would not be harmed.

Nidesh noted that Lawrence was in a severe motorcycle accident long after the incident took place that has left him with physical and emotional problems. Lawrence attended court on Wednesday in person, walking with a cane and an emotional support dog.

“He is struggling with the aftermath with the injuries,” Nidesh told the court.

As a former MLA, Nidesh talked about the fact that Lawrence is a well-known figure in the community and called the assault “out of character.”

“In the past, he has been an outstanding member of the community,” Nidesh said.

Judge Ross Green followed the joint submission and sentenced Lawrence to a 12-month conditional discharge. The conditions include the mandatory condition to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, appear in court when required, and notify the court of any changes to name, address, or employment. He was also given conditions to have no contact with the victim, to not be within five metres of the person, and not be within 50 metres of the victim’s residence, place of employment, or place of education.

Lawrence must also pay a $100 victim fine 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 Jan. 30, citing “historical complaints unrelated to his duties as an MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow.” Lawrence had previously announced that he was not seeking re-election after his motorcycle accident.

A day later, the Moose Jaw Police Service announced that Lawrence was charged with assault after an investigation that began in June of 2023.