Laws' ex smashed in his window | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Former mayoress Leonie Brookhammer has admitted deliberately smashing a window at the home of former partner Michael Laws after she became angry with him.

About 9pm on November 23 last year, Brookhammer went to Mr Laws' house unannounced to speak with him.

They spoke briefly at the back of the house, before Mr Laws inquired about the care arrangements of their three children.

This angered Brookhammer, who walked away down the driveway.

As she went, she struck the kitchen window with her hand, causing it to shatter.

Police were called and Brookhammer told them she was concerned about Mr Laws and had gone to check on him.

Mr Laws was off-air from his talkback radio show at the time of the incident, after comments about journalists covering the teapot tape saga.

Brookhammer, 42, was charged with wilful damage and pleaded guilty in front of Judge David Cameron in the Whanganui District Court yesterday.

She was granted diversion which, once completed, will mean the charge will be withdrawn and she will not have a criminal conviction.

Counsel Stephen Ross, acting as duty solicitor for Brookhammer, argued that she should get name suppression on the grounds there was "minimal" public interest in her; rather, there was public interest in her victim.

The matter was minor and she was "trying to live a normal life" after being in a position where her every move was followed and highlighted by the press, he said.

Ms Brookhammer last made news when she appeared in a women's magazine less than a year ago, talking about her break-up with Mr Laws and introducing her new partner, who was 15 years younger than herself.

In 2010 she made headlines after announcing, again in a women's magazine, she used to punch Mr Laws in the face and that she became an alcoholic during the breakdown of their relationship.

However, no charges were laid after the admission.

Brookhammer also stood unsuccessfully in the 2010 local body elections and has organised charity head-shaving events, one of which was screened on national television.

Mr Ross said the object of diversion was to allow a person with a good record and good character to avoid conviction. He said publicly naming Brookhammer would endanger the object of diversion.

Brookhammer also wrote a letter to the court, explaining she should be granted name suppression because publicity in relation to the case would have an adverse impact on her, outweighing the interests of justice.

Judge Cameron disagreed with Mr Ross' submissions, saying diversion was not a reason for ordering suppression of name, there was a public interest in the case and the court must ensure, in the interests of justice, that the processes were open.

Brookhammer was given six weeks to complete the diversion and was remanded to March 20.