A man who threw a six-year-old boy off a balcony at the Tate Modern has received a new jail term for assaulting hospital staff. Jonty Bravery was convicted of attacking nurses Linda McKinlay and Kate Mastalerz by kicking one in the thigh and scratching the face of the other, causing bleeding at Broadmoor Hospital in September. He has now been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison.
Previously serving a life sentence with a minimum 15-year term for the balcony incident in 2019, Bravery is currently held at Broadmoor, a secure psychiatric hospital in Berkshire. The young victim survived the fall but sustained severe injuries, including a brain bleed and multiple fractures.
During sentencing by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, it was noted that Bravery’s caregivers were the victims of his assaults. The 16-week sentence will run concurrently with his existing 15-year term. Bravery opted not to participate in the hearing via video link.
Testimony revealed that Bravery requires constant supervision by three staff members around the clock and is confined to a room with only a mattress. In one incident, he attempted self-harm by trying to climb a ledge after using the bathroom. The nurses intervened to prevent him from harming himself, leading to the violent outburst.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as staff struggled to restrain Bravery, with body-worn camera footage capturing the intense situation. Nurses McKinlay and Mastalerz recounted the harrowing experience of being attacked by Bravery, resulting in physical injuries and emotional distress.
Bravery’s history of violence at Broadmoor was highlighted during the trial, including a previous 14-week jail term for assaulting hospital staff. His aggressive behavior towards healthcare workers has been deemed unacceptable by the court, leading to the latest sentencing for his actions.
