Paranoid that Laurel is going to leave him, Ashley starts taking his stress out on Sandy and abuses him. Eventually, Ashley's anger gets more and more apparent and Rachel Breckle (Gemma Oaten) becomes suspicious. She calls Adult Services, infuriating Ashley and Laurel, who trusts Ashley. To make sure that Laurel doesn't find out, Ashley forces Sandy to agree to move into a care home. After seeing Sandy acting nervous around Ashley, Laurel starts to begins to suspect Ashley. After Sandy refuses to tell her anything, Laurel secretly goes to speak to Rachel. When he discovers that Laurel has seen Rachel, a panicking Ashley assumes Sandy told her something and hits him again, but is left stunned when Laurel walks in and finally catches him. The truth about the abuse is revealed and Laurel breaks up with him, leaving Ashley horrified.