Bruton was on Friday, May 5, sentenced to 12 months imprisonment or R10 000 fine, and a further 12 months imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years.
He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and had his weapon licence withdrawn.
According to the Boksburg North police, on June 21, 2014, Bruton assaulted Marian Oeschger and her husband Byron during a social gathering at a house in Pheasant Street in Atlasville.
At the time he was still an active member of the Witkoppie Ridge CPF.
During a supposed altercation over pepper spray, Marian and her husband were assaulted.
Marian sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital, where she had to remain for days.
The Boksburg North police launched an investigation into the matter and arrested Bruton.
Marian also called for the immediate suspension of Bruton as a CPF member. Bruton was only relieved of his duty as a CPF member following the court hearing.
The leader of the Boksburg North CPF Denise Curry confirmed he remained a member of the CPF during the investigations.
Curry admitted she refused to suspend Bruton, arguing one is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
She said her decision not to suspend the CPF member was based on the fact that the incident happened while the member was off-duty.
Furthermore, Curry said all the people involved had been enjoying the festivites a private function at the time of the offence.
When asked if Bruton’s behaviour and the adverse publicity surrounding his arrest and court trial did not harm the CPF’s reputation, Curry said Bruton’s five-year-old work history as a CPF patroller was only blemished by this one incident.
She described Bruton as a member of the CPF who performed satisfactorily, and who is highly respected by the community.
The judgement handed down by the Boksburg Magistrate Court has, however, prompted Curry to take final disciplinary action.
-@FanieFLK
