Published: Friday, 22nd January, 2010 11:24am

OAP attacker faces sack from fire service

Bruce Confrey leaving Peebles Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

A RETAINED firefighter from Peebles who smashed the jaw of a pensioner during a late-night attack has avoided going to jail.

But Bruce Confrey does face the sack from the Fire and Rescue Service.

The burly building boss attacked frail Charles Lees outside the Green Tree public house on December 28. The 43-year-old repeatedly punched the pensioner, who is in his late 70s, leaving him sprawled over a public bench.

During the trial last year, the elderly victim told the court that he had beaten Confrey during the rugby club's annual dominoes tournament. But he went on to goad the firefighter over his defeat.

Several hours later words continued to be exchanged in another pub before Confrey followed him outside and launched his attack.

Mr Lees told the trial: "I had to go to hospital as I had no feeling around my face after this. After I'd been in hospital I still had to use a straw for several weeks to eat food when I got back home.

"I have little recollection of what happened but I haven't slept well since and I don't go out any more."

Confrey of Springwood Road was found guilty on December 16 following the two-day trial.

And sentencing was deferred until this week at Peebles Sheriff Court for the preparation of background reports.

Defence agent Ross Gardiner told this week's hearing that his client had already faced the fire brigade's disciplinary board.

And they had been awaiting the outcome of the trial before deciding on his future in the service.

Mr Gardiner added: "This has always been a matter of regret for my client about the injuries that were caused. What had been at dispute was how these injuries were caused.

"The social work reports show that Mr Confrey does not portray a pro-criminal attitude and he's at low risk of re-offending."

Sheriff Neil Mackinnon ordered Confrey to pay a compensation order of £400 and sentenced him to 100 hours of community service.

The Sheriff added: "This is a serious matter but can be dealt with by the direct alternative to custody."

Confrey will be called back in front of fire chiefs in the coming weeks - and it is expected he will be sacked.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said: "We acknowledge the findings of the court and Mr Confrey will now be the subject of internal disciplinary proceedings."