THE husband of a Worcester police officer who left her with broken ribs after attacking her in a field has had his case adjourned for medical reports.

Philip Payne-Jones was convicted of common assault against his WPC wife Laura on Thursday, May 16, after the case was heard in his absence.

The 43-year-old appeared before Droitwich magistrates after being arrested earlier this month at his Walton Street address in Oxford.

During a hearing on Tuesday, June 6, magistrates heard how Payne-Jones broke two of his wife's ribs after attacking her in a field behind The Farmer's Arms pub, Kempsey. The pair had been tending to horses they kept in the field.

He also admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance on Friday, May 4, and drink-driving the following day.

Magistrates ordered he be remanded in custody so psychological reports could be received after Judith Kenney, defending, claimed he was the victim of a serious mental breakdown.

However, yesterday's case had to be adjourned again as reports were being prepared.

"It is quite clear from the doctors this man had a breakdown," she said.

"While he has been in custody he has been getting the necessary drugs. But the consultant dealing with my client cannot do a report without seeing him and this is difficult for him to do."

Magistrates agreed to adjourn sentencing to next Tuesday for probation officers to find a bail address for Payne-Jones, allowing him to visit consultants for a pre-sentence report.