Teen smiling before he threw boy off balcony

Family’s horror at Tate Modern attack

Jonty Bravery captured by court artist yesterday

A TEENAGER smiled as he threw a boy of six from a viewing platform at Tate Modern, then told the tot’s dad: “Yes, I am mad.”

Jonty Bravery, 18, who is autistic, spent more than 15 minutes stalking potential victims, a court heard.

The boy, who cannot be named, plunged 100ft while stunned witnesses, including his parents, tackled Bravery.

The father thought it was “a joke” until he saw his son’s bloodied body below. Bravery, 17 at the time, was said to “have a big smile on his face” and told the boy’s dad: “Yes, I am mad.”

He also told onlookers: “It’s not my fault, it’s social services’.”

The French family were on holiday and the horror at the London landmark was caught on CCTV.

Deanna Heer, prosecuting, told the Old Bailey yesterday: “As [the boy] approached, the defendant scooped him up and, without any hesitation, threw him over. He can be seen smiling. At one point, he appears to shrug and laugh.”

The boy had life-threatening injuries and is still in a wheelchair. It is not known if he will make a full recovery.

Bravery, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder aged five, admits attempted murder. He was on one-on-one supervision with Hammersmith and Fulham Social Services at the time of last August’s attack.

But he was let out alone for four-hour periods, which Philippa McAtasney, mitigating, said “beggars belief ”.

Bravery, who the court was told previously signalled his intention to carry out such an attack, appeared for the sentencing hearing via videolink from psychiatric hospital Broadmoor, Berks.

Ms McAtasney said his “callous remarks, lacking remorse” after the attack should be viewed as part of his disorder. And she described Bravery – seen putting his shirt over his head at one point – as “immature”.

Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Joanna Dow said he has a mixed personality disorder and struggles to manage his emotions. She recommended he be held in a hospital rather than jail.

Bravery will be sentenced today and Mrs Justice McGowan said: “Whatever happens, it will be for a very long time.”

But Bravery was out alone

PROSECUTOR DEANNA HEER ON BRAVERY’S BEHAVIOUR IN CCTV

He can be seen smiling. At one point, he appears to shrug and laugh