A meeting to discuss relationship issues led to assault when a Haverfordwest man tried to rip a phone out of his ex-partner’s hand.

Mark Antony Hambrook, of Fleming Crescent, appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Wednesday, May 8, after he pleaded guilty to assault at an earlier hearing.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, said Hambrook, 34, had committed a ‘minor assault’ while trying to grab a mobile phone out of his ex-girlfriend’s hand.

The former couple had arranged to meet up to discuss why their relationship ended, in a bid to bring ‘closure’ when an argument began.

Hambrook followed when the woman jumped in a taxi, so she got out and found another, but he jumped in again.

In a third taxi, the woman agreed they could travel together on the understanding that Hambrook would be dropped off at his house first.

Mr Pritchard-Jones said: “She was not convinced he would get out at his house and did not want him at hers. She started to ring the police to meet the taxi to make sure that he left.”

Hambrook leant over to rip her phone out of her hand, then opened the car door, causing the driver to slam on the brakes.

The court heard that the case had initially been listed for trial but Hambrook recently changed his plea.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said: “She decided she had had enough and contacted the police via the 999 system. He then commits a minor assault by leaning over and grabbing her phone.

“He accepts that alcohol was involved.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Hambrook was ordered to pay £200 in costs, a fine and surcharge.

A one-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting Hambrook from contacting the victim or loitering within 100 metres of her address.