The haunting case that gripped London reaches its climax today as the French teenager responsible for hurling a six-year-old boy from the Tate Modern's tenth-floor viewing platform returns to the Old Bailey for sentencing.
Jonty Bravery, now 19, was convicted of attempted murder following the horrific incident in August 2019 that left the young victim with life-changing injuries. The attack occurred on the popular viewing platform of Britain's most visited tourist attraction, sending shockwaves through the art world and beyond.
A Family's Ongoing Nightmare
The young victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, continues to face immense challenges in his recovery. His family revealed in a recent victim impact statement that their son remains unable to walk, talk, or eat independently nearly two years after the attack.
"Every aspect of our lives has been turned upside down," the boy's parents shared in their emotional statement. "The happy, vibrant child we knew has been replaced by one who requires round-the-clock medical care and faces countless obstacles in his daily life."
Disturbing Details Emerge
During the trial, the court heard how Bravery had specifically travelled to the Tate Modern with the intention of killing someone. Witnesses described the chilling moment he picked up the unsuspecting child and deliberately threw him over the balcony railings.
The boy miraculously survived the 100-foot fall, landing on a fifth-floor roof below. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the child was airlifted to hospital where he remained for months undergoing extensive treatment.
Psychological Evaluation
Defence lawyers argued that Bravery, who was 17 at the time of the attack, had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, psychiatric assessments concluded he understood the consequences of his actions.
The court heard that Bravery had told staff at the supported accommodation where he lived that he wanted to be on the news and be remembered for doing something "big."
Security Changes at Tate Modern
Following the incident, the Tate Modern implemented enhanced security measures on its viewing platform, including increased staff presence and improved safety barriers. The gallery temporarily closed the viewing platform in the immediate aftermath but has since reopened it with these additional precautions.
A Tate Modern spokesperson stated: "The safety and security of our visitors remains our highest priority. We continue to support the family in any way we can during this difficult time."
Legal Proceedings Continue
Today's sentencing hearing before Mr Justice McGowan is expected to consider both the severity of the crime and Bravery's mental health conditions. The court must balance the need for punishment with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
The case has raised important questions about mental health support for young people and security measures at public attractions across the UK. As the legal process moves toward its conclusion, the victim's family continues their long journey of recovery and adaptation.
"We live with the consequences of that day every single moment," the boy's parents said. "While we cannot change what happened, we hope our story might prevent similar tragedies in the future."
